Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province is opening all park golf courses in the region free of charge to overnight tourists, in a move to promote stay-based tourism.
According to Hwacheon County on Wednesday, the county is offering free park golf course access to guests of local lodging facilities starting the same day. The measure aims to extend the stay of park golf tourists and boost spending at local lodging establishments, restaurants and traditional markets.
Eligible visitors are guests of lodging facilities or rural homestays in the region. Those who present a lodging receipt or proof of stay can use all park golf courses in Hwacheon — including Sancheoneo Park Golf Course in Hanam-myeon, the Sports Park Park Golf Course, and Sanae Park Golf Course — without a separate reservation.
However, access may be restricted depending on course operating conditions, such as during tournaments or rainy weather, and groups of 20 or more must confirm availability in advance.
Hwacheon currently has 60 lodging facilities and 210 rural homestays in operation. The county expects the policy to attract more park golf tourists and help revitalize local commerce.
"We will work to increase the park golf industry's contribution to the local economy and achieve the effect of boosting stay-based tourism," Hwacheon County Mayor Choi Moon-soon said.
