Haenam County Buzzes with Golf Fever... BMW Ladies Championship Generates 6 Billion KRW Economic Impact

The BMW Ladies Championship, an official Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour event, was held in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province, from the 16th to the 19th. The tournament drew record-breaking crowds and injected new vitality into the local economy. Haenam County announced on the 20th that over 60,000 spectators attended during the event, generating an economic impact exceeding 6 billion KRW.
A total of 60,599 people attended the tournament over four days, a figure nearly equal to the entire population of Haenam County (62,000). On the final day alone, more than 32,000 fans gathered, creating a spectacular finale. Organizers noted that ticket sales increased by more than 40% compared to the previous year, signaling strong interest even before the tournament began.
This surge in enthusiasm is attributed to the fact that it was the first LPGA event ever held in the Honam region and the only official LPGA Tour stop in Korea, drawing intense interest from golf enthusiasts.

The tournament also shone a spotlight on Pine Beach Golf Links, previously known as a 'secret garden' due to its remote location. With its stunning seaside course, often called the 'Pebble Beach of Korea,' Pine Beach Golf Links was broadcast to 570 million households in over 170 countries, elevating the Haenam brand and introducing the region to a global audience.
The influx of 60,000 visitors to Haenam had a tremendous impact on revitalizing the local economy.
The HAENAM126 OCEANO HOTEL, located within the Hwawon Oceano Tourism Complex, was quickly selected as accommodation for more than 130 players and their families. Pine Beach Golf Hotel, Uldolsori Hotel in Woosooyoung, as well as major lodging facilities in Hwawon-myeon, Munnae-myeon, and Haenam-eup, all enjoyed a boom thanks to tournament officials and tourists.
Tourists unable to find accommodation in Haenam expanded their search to Yeongam County and Mokpo, creating a 'spillover effect' in neighboring areas. It was not uncommon to see long lines at Haenam’s tourist attractions and restaurants. According to Haenam County’s own analysis, the tournament generated over 6 billion KRW in local economic benefits through food, lodging, and related spending.
Myeong Hyeon-gwan, Governor of Haenam County, stated, “Hosting a world-class sporting event in Haenam, despite its geographical limitations, has provided an opportunity to showcase Haenam to the world.”
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter