Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Golf club says it will restrict services to visitors driving Japanese cars, while using made-in-Japan golf carts
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By Lee Hae-rin
By Lee Hae-rin
A golf course in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, announced Monday that it will not allow customers driving Japanese brand cars to use its parking or cartage facilities from next year.
While the club operator says that the policy is to remember the sacrifices of Korean ancestors who fought against the atrocities committed by Japan during colonization, some people say that it is a distorted anti-Japan measure and unfair to customers.
According to a notice at the Anes Ville Country Club, the golf course policy applies to those arriving in Japanese car brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Infinity, starting next January. However, those singled out can still play golf there.
“We aim to honor our ancestors' deeds to fight against the Japanese imperialist persecution to protect this country and pass on liberty to future generations. We ask our clients to support this movement and our conviction,” the notice read.
“This is the will of an individual company against Japan for distorting history and refusing to apologize to the people of Korea.”
The announcement drew mixed responses among not only golfers but also other member of the public.
“Whatever the reason is, it is wholly up to a company to decline to host a customer,” one internet user wrote. “If you are unhappy with it, just don't go,” another wrote.
On the other hand, others said that the ban was unreasonable. “It's just a highly patriotic marketing gimmick,” one wrote, while another said, “It is unfair to restrict the entrance of those who drive Japanese cars.”
Some pointed out the hypocrisy in the golf course's anti-Japan boycott, questioning whether golf clubs, golf clothing and golf bags made by Japanese brands will be accepted. “This golf course is using made-in-Japan golf carts after removing the logos. So is everything okay once the logo is removed?” an internet user wrote.
Some others also point out that restricting entry to a facility for using products made in a particular country may be against the law. According to the current Sports Facilities Management Act, public golf courses are available to anyone in order of reservation and arrival.
“The club's notice seems to be unfair in some way. There is no clause in the Sports Facility Management Act to justify the action,” an official in charge of golf club registration and management at the North Jeolla Provincial Government told The Korea Times, Wednesday. “We plan to visit the club and discuss it with the management there in the near future.”