Late to the game: S.Korea now embracing pickleball, with celebs including BTS members joining in

SEOUL, June 2 — Pickleball is gaining momentum across South Korea, with participation rising among both younger and older players and public facilities struggling to keep up with demand.

According to reporting by The Korea Herald, the sport has shifted from a niche pastime for seniors to a fast‑growing recreational activity attracting office workers, foreign residents and former tennis players. The trend has become visible enough that Seoul opened a 14‑court pickleball complex at Gwangnaru Hangang Park in April, one of the city’s largest dedicated facilities.

Coaches say pickleball’s accessibility is a major driver of its growth. Cho Min‑jung, a former Korea Tennis Association board member who converted her indoor tennis centre into a pickleball venue, told the Herald that worsening economic conditions have pushed more people toward sports that require less time, money and physical strain than tennis. She noted that beginners can rally almost immediately, making the sport easier to pick up.

Google Trends data cited by Korea Herald shows Korean search interest rising through 2024 and surging sharply toward the end of 2025, reflecting the sport’s growing visibility.

Celebrity mentions have helped fuel interest, mirroring trends seen in the US.

Variety‑show personalities such as Jun Hyun‑moo and martial artist Choo Sung‑hoon have featured the sport on television, while BTS members Jin, V and RM recently discussed playing pickleball during a livestream. Videos of the group playing overseas circulated widely online, drawing attention from younger fans.

Foreign residents familiar with pickleball from abroad have also contributed to early growth. Korean American players interviewed said expat groups created spreadsheets and community guides to help people find courts, which later drew in more local players.

The sport’s rapid rise has created pressure on public courts. Lee Chul‑hee, former president of the Seongdong‑gu Pickleball Association, told the Herald that overcrowding is now common, especially in areas like Seoul Forest where multiple clubs share limited space.

Some groups have begun renting private gymnasiums to secure playing time, raising concerns about unequal access.

Lee also noted that some outdoor hard courts are tough on seniors’ knees, even though older players remain a significant part of the community.

Despite questions about whether pickleball might be another short‑lived lifestyle trend, players and coaches interviewed by The Korea Herald believe the sport has staying power. They point to its affordability, social nature and suitability for casual exercise — factors that align with broader shifts in how younger Koreans approach leisure.

Community estimates cited in the article suggest there were roughly 5,000 players in 2023, but participation has risen steadily as more courts and clubs appear nationwide.

المصدر: Malay Mail