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Pyongyang Golf Course Tour: Unique North Korea Experience for Golf Enthusiasts
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
For travellers craving something truly different on the fairway, there’s now a chance to play on the only 18-hole golf course in North Korea, just outside Pyongyang. A Russian travel company has put together a carefully planned tour that grants access to a swanky lakeside resort most often enjoyed by the country’s top brass, foreign diplomats, and a handful of lucky tourists.
Scheduled for September ten-fifteen, this golf getaway is priced at one thousand sixty dollar. That covers your round-trip airfare, five nights at the resort, and a Russian-speaking guide who will help navigate both the course and the country. All golf fees come separately, so be ready to pay fifty dollar for each round, two dollar for a golf ball, and fifteen dollar to rent a set of clubs. Carts are available, too fifteen dollar per hole or hundred dollar for the full day.
Golfing in the Heart of Pyongyang
The Pyongyang Golf Course, nestled by Lake Thaesong, is the country’s premier golf destination. Known for its serene beauty and exclusivity, the course features eighteen holes surrounded by lush landscapes. The resort itself boasts guest houses, a spa, and other recreational facilities, making it an appealing destination for those seeking both sport and relaxation.
Despite its remote location, the course has attracted attention from foreign diplomats and tourists, primarily from Russia, as North Korea remains largely closed to visitors from other countries. The course’s history is also intertwined with foreign influence, as it was built in 1987 with assistance from pro-DPRK Korean entrepreneurs in Japan.
A Golf Course Steeped in Myth and Prestige
The course is steeped in myth, with rumours surrounding the legendary performance of the late leader Kim Jong Il, who reportedly posted a nearly impossible score of thirty eight-under-par, including eleven holes-in-one. However, such claims remain part of the course’s legendary status and are not officially acknowledged within North Korea.
Over the years, the course has hosted various tournaments, including an event in 2024 that saw local golf enthusiasts compete. The event was part of the regime’s broader efforts to promote luxury sports to the country’s elite.
Golf for Foreigners: A Rare Experience
While North Koreans have limited access to the golf course, foreign visitors are more common, especially those traveling with specialized tour companies like Vostok Intur. Despite the course’s high-end facilities and well-maintained greens, golf remains an unusual activity in the country. Most North Koreans are unfamiliar with the sport, making it a distinctly foreign experience for those who visit.
The Pyongyang Golf Course is not the only place in North Korea where visitors can enjoy a round of golf. The country previously had smaller courses, such as the nine-hole par three course at the Yanggakdo Hotel. However, the Pyongyang course remains the main attraction for foreign golfers.
Tourism Beyond Golf in North Korea
While the golf course is a major draw, the tour also offers visits to Pyongyang’s famous landmarks. The itinerary includes stops at the capital’s most prominent sites, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s history and culture. For many travelers, the golf experience is an added attraction to the wider, more traditional North Korean tour.
Despite limited international tourism, Russia remains one of the few countries with consistent access to North Korea. Tour operators like Vostok Intur continue to cater to those looking for an unusual adventure in one of the world’s most isolated countries.
If you love golf or you’re just hunting for something way off the tourist trails heading to the Pyongyang Golf Course is a chance to swing clubs and peek into life in North Korea at the same time. It’s not what you’d call a hotspot on everybody’s list, but that’s part of the fun: sneakers on, you’re in a collection of the globe’s quirkiest stops.
Golfing the fairways of Pyongyang feels like playing a livelier version of golf on the moon. Lush greens, striking views, and zero crowd noise mix into a memory you definitely won’t collect at a resort back home. It’s the ultimate offbeat fairway, and for anyone up for a real change of scenery, it’s the perfect fairway to walk.
