An old ferry site along the Geum River, where people and goods once crossed, is now bustling again as a destination sought out by park golf enthusiasts. Located on the Geum River flats in Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong, Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course is establishing itself as a representative park golf course in the Chungcheong region, featuring a name that reflects the area's history and a 36-hole course that makes use of the natural terrain. Recently, a railway tourism program for visitors from the Seoul metropolitan area has also been launched, drawing attention as a travel destination where sports and regional tourism can be enjoyed together.
The name "Wangjin Naru" originates from the old ferry site of Wangjin-ri, which historically faced Buyeo's Gudeurae Naru across the Geum River. Rather than the former name "Geumgangbyeon Park Golf Course," Cheongyang County changed it to a name that captures the area's history and symbolism, and is nurturing Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course as a sports tourism resource representing Cheongyang.
Strategy Over Long Drives: Keys to Tackling the 36 Holes Along the Geum River
Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course is located on the Geum River flats at 367 Wangjin-ri, Cheongnam-myeon, Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong. After first being built as an 18-hole course in September 2024, it received certification as an official course from the Korea Park Golf Association the same year, gaining recognition for its competitiveness. Following expansion work, it reopened last October as a 36-hole course capable of hosting national tournaments.
The total area is about 27,290 square meters (about 8,255 pyeong), and it consists of four courses: Chilgap (A, 680m), Geumgang (B, 700m), Cheongyang (C, 636m), and Wangjin (D, 682m).
Overall, the spacing between holes is generous and the sense of openness is excellent, allowing even beginners to enjoy a round without pressure. As befits a recently built course, it uses mounds and natural terrain to separate holes, and minimizes the installation of fences and nets to secure an unobstructed view.
The A and B courses have a moderate level of difficulty, adding the fun of strategic play. Thanks to the wide fairways, there is room to attempt long drives, but distance control that accounts for the winds characteristic of the Geum River and subtle changes in terrain is important. Rather than pushing for distance, aiming for the center of the fairway and placing the next shot in a favorable position leads to stable scores.
The C and D courses stand out for their open feel. With little interference between holes and expansive surrounding scenery, they are well suited for a leisurely round. Overall, maintaining accurate direction and a delicate sense of putting distance is the key strategy for a good score.
Key Guide to Check Before Visiting
Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is regularly closed every Monday. However, the operating schedule may change depending on turf management or weather conditions, so it is advisable to check before visiting.
The reservation method varies by place of residence. Cheongyang residents can enter on a first-come, first-served basis on site, while visitors from outside the county must make an online reservation in advance through the Cheongyang County Office website.
The usage fee is 2,000 won for Cheongyang residents and 7,000 won for outside visitors. For outside visitors, 5,000 won of the fee is refunded as Cheongyang Love Gift Certificates, which can be used at local restaurants, cafes, and traditional markets.
Basic amenities such as a management office, restrooms, and parking are available, while personal equipment such as clubs and balls must be prepared by visitors themselves.
For visitors from the Seoul metropolitan area, using the "Park Golf in Cheongyang" railway tourism product is also a good choice. After taking a train from Seoul Station to Jochiwon Station, visitors travel to Cheongyang by connecting bus, tour major attractions such as Chilgap Tower, and enjoy a 36-hole round at Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course, making it well suited for enjoying park golf and a Cheongyang trip together without a car.
From Chilgapsan to Modeoksa: A Cheongyang Trip Embracing Nature and History
Near the course, natural and historical attractions representing Cheongyang are scattered throughout, making them good to tour along with a round. Chilgapsan, called "the Alps of South Chungcheong," is the region's representative mountain, and with well-maintained hiking trails and a natural recreation forest, it offers various courses ranging from light walks to full-fledged mountain climbing.
Chilgap Tower, located at the foot of Chilgapsan, is Cheongyang's representative landmark that newly opened last year. As a complex tourism space equipped with media art and experiential content, climbing the 57-meter-high observatory allows visitors to take in the beautiful mountain scenery of Chilgapsan and the natural landscape of Cheongyang at a glance. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water walkway connected to Chilgap Lake.
Modeoksa, about 20 minutes by car from the course, is a shrine housing the portrait and relics of Myeonam Choi Ik-hyeon, a leading patriot who led the righteous army movement in the late Joseon period. As a space commemorating his loyalty and patriotic spirit, it is a good place to reflect on Cheongyang's history and culture in a tranquil atmosphere.
For those who want to add some relaxation amid nature, the Gouon Botanical Garden is recommended. Built while preserving the hillside terrain as it is, about 8,600 species of plants grow here, allowing visitors to enjoy walking and trekking amid dense greenery.
◈ Wangjin Naru Park Golf Course at a Glance
▣ Location = Around 367 Wangjin-ri, Cheongnam-myeon, Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong
▣ Size = 36 holes (27,290 square meters, about 8,255 pyeong)
▣ Operating Hours = 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed every Monday)
▣ Usage Fee = 2,000 won for residents, 7,000 won for visitors from other cities and counties (5,000 won of the fee refunded as Cheongyang Love Gift Certificates)
▣ Equipment Rental = Not available
▣ Reservation Method = On-site reservation for residents, online reservation for visitors from other cities and counties
▣ Management = Cheongyang County Office
