KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia is fast becoming the preferred destination for Korean golfers, only trailing behind Thailand and the Philippines.

       South Korean consulate-general in Kota Kinabalu, Joo Jung-cheol, said the state’s fairways attract Koreans due to their accessibility.

       "Golfers in Korea highly value South East Asia, including destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines," he said.

       He added that attracting 10% of the estimated five million Korean golfers to Sabah would be significant.

       Joo said this in a meeting with state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, on Monday (Nov 20).

       Having played on the greens in Kota Kinabalu, Joo told Bangkuai that it was the best because the golf courses are within a 30-minute drive of the city centre.

       “It is a good selling point,” he said.

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       “We anticipate many Koreans will come to Sabah during the high season between December and February for winter vacation and golf,” he added.

       In 2019, Joo said that 480,000 Koreans visited Sabah, with over 20% participating in golf-related activities.

       He also emphasised Sabah's growing popularity as an investment destination for Korean investors, with Korean companies investing in the state's golf business.

       “Currently, Koreans top Sabah's tourist market, and China is slowly picking up.

       “We are doing everything possible to continue attracting Korean tourists, as well as others, with our many attractions that cater to their specific needs,” Bangkuai said.