Why do Korean golf travelers cross national borders to play golf?

• Main Author: Dr. Jeongsun Kimmm
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2020-01-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: leisure; activity; international; golf; travel; sport; tourism; motivation; model
• Online Access: https://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_52_vol_9_1__2020_rep._korea.pdf

Golfing is a lively and increasing activity for tourists internationally and is a rapidly growing niche tourism sport. Partaking in golf while on a holiday is a budding idea and there are a number of tactics in tourism market segmentation based on trip motivations and special interest sports. Motivations for golfing and international golf traveling have not been studied as extensively as motivations for other types of travel and leisure activities. In this research, motivations for travelling and golfing were examined not only from academic but also nonacademic viewpoints. This research was designed to examine Korean golfers’ motivations for international golf travel. The questionnaire survey was completed by 461 Korean golfers in 2007 in Seoul, Korea. The results suggest that Korean golfers, mainly social and enthusiastic golfers, have five motivations for international golf travel. These motives can be summarized by the push-pull-influence factor model, which is recommended for further testing in future research.