The Korea Golf Course Business Association said on the 1st that it had toured regional councils nationwide last month to review major industry issues, including responses to tax and legislative changes, on-site safety inspections, improvements to consumer dispute standards and autumn course management.
The association gave top priority to its response to a planned 42.9% property tax increase on membership golf courses. Golf course provisions are absent from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's current public notice of proposed legislation, the association said, but an amendment to the enforcement decree (Article 109) expected to be announced in October or November could raise the fair market value ratio for land at membership golf courses to 100 from 70. The association plans to submit a written objection after a legal review.
The association also recommended security inspections to prevent hacking of golf course websites and leaks of personal information, following three consecutive incidents, and urged participation in self-regulatory organization activities.
"The golf course industry faces significant challenges from recent moves to overhaul the tax system and from tighter regulations across the board," said Choi Dong-ho, chairman of the Korea Golf Course Business Association. "The association will actively protect the interests of its member companies while devoting all its efforts to reducing consumer disputes, including by establishing reasonable reservation cancellation standards, and to creating a safe environment for users."
