Image Credits to: Haps Korea
Seoul is about to serve up a major milestone for pickleball in South Korea. This weekend, the city will officially open a 14-court outdoor pickleball facility at Gwangnaru Hangang Park along the iconic Han River, making it the largest pickleball venue in the country.
The grand opening, scheduled for March 28–29, is part of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's "Healthy City Seoul" initiative, a broader push to expand public sports infrastructure and encourage active lifestyles across the capital. The facility was built on a formerly underused football pitch that the city decided to repurpose to meet the surging demand for pickleball courts.
The opening weekend will feature a packed program including a family tournament, beginner lessons, open play sessions, and exhibition matches. An official ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on March 29, followed by exhibition games and finals. Organizers expect around 500 participants over the two days, with matches designed for families, beginners, and international players alike.
Beyond the courts, the venue includes a "story zone" explaining pickleball's origins and rules, as well as a hands-on experience area where visitors can try out equipment — a smart move aimed at converting curious onlookers into new players.
Court rentals are set at an accessible 8,000 Korean won (approximately US$5.50) for two hours, roughly matching the rates for public tennis courts in the city. With the new Gwangnaru facility, the total number of public pickleball courts in Seoul rises to 22.
South Korea's pickleball journey has been nothing short of remarkable. What started with a handful of enthusiasts playing with makeshift paddles in a Seoul park in 2021 has snowballed into a nationwide movement. By 2023, the country had 50 dedicated courts. The Korean Pickleball Association doubled that figure in less than a year, and today players can choose from more than 100 facilities across Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu.
The Gwangnaru facility signals that the Korean government is taking pickleball seriously — not just as a recreational trend, but as a pillar of urban public health policy. For the growing community of players across Asia, it's a model worth watching.The facility is located in Gwangnaru Hangang Park, one of Seoul's most popular riverside green spaces, easily accessible by subway and bus. Whether you're visiting Seoul or a local looking for your next court, mark March 28 on your calendar.
