这座苏北三线城市，竟成了韩国人的「高尔夫天堂」

Core Viewpoint - South Korea, known for its love of sports like archery and taekwondo, is also a significant player in golf, with over 5 million people having engaged in the sport, the highest ratio globally. The recent visa exemption policy from China has attracted many South Koreans to play golf in China, particularly in Yancheng, Jiangsu, due to its affordability and proximity [2][3][5]. Group 1: Golf Tourism in Yancheng - Yancheng has become a popular destination for South Korean golfers, with the local golf course, Shiyang Island Golf Club, ranking first on Korean social media for golf course recommendations [5]. - The cost of playing golf in Yancheng is approximately 400 RMB per day, with accommodation in star-rated hotels costing around 200-300 RMB per night, making it significantly cheaper than playing in South Korea [5][12]. - The influx of South Korean tourists has led to a 60% increase in the number of Korean nationals entering Yancheng this year, with each golf tourist spending three times more than regular visitors [7][12]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Opportunities - The presence of South Korean tourists has activated local industries, including high-end hotels and specialty dining, contributing to the economic growth of Yancheng [7][12]. - Yancheng has a long-standing trade relationship with South Korea, hosting nearly 1,000 Korean enterprises and over 10,000 Korean residents, which facilitates cultural exchange and tourism [9]. - The local tourism department aims to leverage the popularity of golf to enhance Yancheng's reputation in South Korea and expand inbound tourism through new travel products connecting Shanghai and Yancheng [11][12]. Group 3: Broader Implications for China's Sports Industry - The success of Yancheng's golf tourism highlights the potential for other regions in China to attract foreign tourists through sports, particularly given the country's rich sports and tourism resources [12][14]. - The Chinese government is working to improve the inbound tourism service environment, enhancing facilities at transportation hubs and promoting cities internationally to attract more visitors [14]. - The long-term goal is to transform short-term tourism spikes into sustainable economic growth, contributing to the ambitious target of exceeding 7 trillion RMB in the sports industry by 2030 [14].