The Rise of Pickleball in South Korea: A Sport for All Ages

Pickleball's Growing Popularity

In South Korea, pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting participants from various demographics, including office workers, students, expatriates, and former tennis enthusiasts. A report from a local news outlet highlights the sport's rapid expansion in urban areas, with new facilities being established to meet the increasing demand for court space. Notably, Seoul has inaugurated a 14-court complex at Gwangnaru Hangang Park, marking it as one of the largest dedicated pickleball venues in the country.

According to coaches and club managers, the sport's affordability and accessibility are key factors driving its growth. Cho Min-jung, a former board member of the Korea Tennis Association, transformed her indoor tennis facility into a pickleball center, stating, "Economic realities have encouraged more people to try the sport. The current economic climate has led many to seek sports that require less time, money, and physical exertion compared to tennis." She further noted that beginners can quickly grasp the game, allowing them to enjoy rallies almost immediately, which is appealing to newcomers.

The increasing interest in pickleball is also evident in online search trends, which showed a steady rise throughout 2024, culminating in a significant spike at the end of 2025. Celebrity endorsements have played a crucial role in popularizing the sport, with TV personalities like Jun Hyun-moo and Choo Sung-hoon bringing pickleball into the limelight through entertainment shows. Recently, members of the globally renowned group BTS, including Jin, V, and RM, discussed pickleball during a livestream, and videos of them playing the sport abroad went viral, capturing the attention of younger fans.

The sport's growth has also been supported by foreign residents who were among the early adopters, helping to create court guides, organize playing groups, and introduce locals to the game. These grassroots efforts laid the foundation for many of the initial pickleball communities before the sport gained broader public interest.

However, the surge in participation has led to challenges, particularly regarding court availability. Lee Chul-hee, a former president of the Seongdong-gu Pickleball Association, mentioned that court shortages are becoming increasingly common. Overcrowding is particularly noticeable at popular venues like Seoul Forest, where multiple clubs vie for limited court space. The demand has escalated to the point where some clubs are renting private gyms to secure playing time, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability. Additionally, Lee pointed out that outdoor hard courts can pose physical challenges for older players, who represent a significant portion of the pickleball community.

While some skeptics worry that pickleball may be a passing trend, many within the sport are optimistic about its future. Players and coaches cited affordability, social interaction, and minimal barriers to entry as crucial elements for sustained growth. Estimates suggest that there were around 5,000 active pickleball players in South Korea in 2023, a number that continues to rise as new courts, clubs, and organized groups emerge nationwide. For many, the combination of celebrity influence, accessible gameplay, and expanding infrastructure solidifies pickleball's place in South Korea's sports landscape.