Badminton & Table Tennis Clubs: How to Join and Book Courts
Last winter, I decided I needed to move more—not in a gym-with-mirrors kind of way, but something that felt less like exercise and more like actually doing something. A friend mentioned her Saturday badminton group, and I thought: how hard could it be to find a court and join? Turns out, the process is simpler than I expected, but only once you understand how the system works in Korea.
Whether you're looking to play casually on weekends or join a regular club, badminton and table tennis offer accessible ways to stay active without needing a full team or expensive gear. The challenge isn't the sport itself—it's figuring out where to play, how to reserve a spot, and what the unwritten rules are.
This guide walks through the practical steps: finding clubs, booking public courts, navigating Korea's online reservation systems, and understanding what to expect when you show up for the first time.
Table of Contents
Why These Two Sports Work in Korea
Badminton and table tennis have a foothold in Korea that goes beyond casual recreation. You'll find courts in community centers, university gyms, apartment complexes, and dedicated sports facilities. Both sports fit into Korea's dense urban layout—you don't need a full field, and sessions can wrap up in an hour or two.
What surprised me most was how accessible they are for all age groups. Early morning sessions at public facilities are often filled with retirees who've been playing for decades. Evening slots attract office workers looking to unwind. Weekends bring families and casual players. Unlike team sports that require coordination and commitment, you can drop in, play a few games, and leave—no long-term obligation required.
Both sports also have a low barrier to entry in terms of skill. You can start playing with minimal instruction and still have fun, even if your technique isn't perfect. That said, if you watch the regular players at any public court, you'll quickly realize there's a lot of depth to these sports once you get hooked.
Key takeaway: These sports thrive in Korea because they fit into everyday routines—quick sessions, minimal equipment, and facilities that are genuinely spread across neighborhoods rather than concentrated in expensive sports complexes.
Public Facilities vs. Private Clubs
The first decision you'll face is whether to use public facilities or join a private club. Public sports centers—run by district offices (gu offices) or the Seoul city government—offer courts at a fraction of the cost of private facilities. The trade-off is availability: popular time slots fill up fast, and you'll need to navigate an online reservation system that can feel clunky at first.
Private clubs and academies offer more flexibility. You can often walk in during off-peak hours without a reservation, and courts tend to be less crowded. Some private facilities also run coaching programs, leagues, and social events, which makes them a better choice if you're looking to improve your skills or meet regular playing partners.
In my experience, starting with public facilities makes sense if you're testing the waters. Once you know you'll play regularly—say, more than once a week—a private club membership can actually be more convenient, even if the upfront cost is higher.
Quick comparison
- Public facilities: Lower cost, advance booking required, limited hours, often crowded
- Private clubs: Higher cost, more flexibility, coaching available, easier walk-in access
- Apartment facilities: Free for residents, limited courts, first-come first-served (varies by complex)
How to Book Public Courts Online
Most public sports facilities in Seoul use a centralized reservation system called Seoul Public Service Reservation (yeyak.seoul.go.kr). Other cities and districts may have their own systems, but the process is similar: create an account, verify your identity, search for facilities, and book a time slot.
Here's what the process looks like in practice. First, you'll need to register on the platform using
Here's what the process looks like in practice. First, you'll need to register on the platform using your phone number and email. Identity verification is required—usually through a mobile phone authentication process or an i-PIN system. Once your account is set up, you can search for facilities by location, sport type, and available time slots.
Bookings typically open a week in advance, and popular slots—especially weekend mornings and weekday evenings—can fill up within minutes of opening. This means you'll need to log in right when the booking window opens if you want prime time slots. Early morning sessions (6-8 AM) and weekday afternoons tend to have better availability.
One thing that caught me off guard: you usually can't book more than one or two slots per week per person, and there are penalties for no-shows. If you reserve a court and don't show up, your account may be temporarily restricted from making future bookings. The system tracks this to prevent people from hoarding time slots.
Booking tips
- Set a reminder for when booking windows open (usually 7 days in advance at midnight)
- Have backup time slots in mind—your first choice will often be taken
- Check cancellation policies before booking; some facilities allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Save your preferred facilities as favorites to speed up the search process
Payment is usually handled online at the time of booking, and fees are quite low—typically 3,000-8,000 won per hour for badminton or table tennis courts. You'll receive a confirmation via SMS or email, which you may need to show when you arrive at the facility.
Joining a Club or Regular Group
If you'd rather skip the weekly booking scramble and play with the same group of people regularly, joining a club makes more sense. Clubs range from casual meetup groups organized through Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk to formal organizations with membership fees, coaches, and regular training sessions.
For badminton, you'll find clubs attached to community sports centers (주민체육센터), university recreational programs, and private academies. Some require tryouts or skill assessments, especially if they have competitive teams, but many welcome beginners. Monthly fees typically range from 30,000 to 100,000 won, depending on whether coaching is included and how often the group meets.
Table tennis clubs tend to be slightly less formal. Many community centers run open play sessions where you pay a small drop-in fee (around 2,000-5,000 won) and rotate partners throughout the session. This is a good way to gauge your interest before committing to a membership.
What I noticed is that most clubs have a core group of regulars who've been playing together for years, and they're usually welcoming to newcomers as long as you show up consistently. The first few sessions might feel a bit awkward—you're figuring out skill levels, learning people's playing styles, and adjusting to the group's rhythm—but it gets comfortable quickly.
How to find clubs
- Check Naver Cafe—search for "배드민턴 동호회" (badminton club) or "탁구 동호회" (table tennis club) + your neighborhood
- Visit your local gu office sports center website—many list affiliated clubs and contact information
- Ask at the facility during open play hours—staff and regulars can often recommend groups
- Look for posters and flyers inside sports centers; clubs often advertise new member recruitment
What It Actually Costs
The cost breakdown depends entirely on how and where you play. Public facility bookings are the cheapest option—expect to pay 3,000-8,000 won per hour for court rental. If you're splitting this with friends (most badminton courts accommodate doubles, and table tennis tables fit 2-4 players), the per-person cost drops to 1,000-2,000 won per hour.
Private clubs and academies operate differently. Some charge hourly rates (10,000-20,000 won per hour), while others offer monthly memberships with unlimited access. Typical membership fees range from 50,000 to 150,000 won per month, depending on location, facilities, and whether coaching is included. Premium clubs in Gangnam or near major business districts tend to be on the higher end.
Equipment costs are separate. A decent badminton racket starts around 30,000-50,000 won for beginners, and shuttlecocks (you'll go through these quickly) cost about 15,000-25,000 won for a tube of 12. Table tennis paddles range from 20,000 won for basic recreational models to 100,000+ won for serious players. Balls are cheap—around 10,000 won for a pack of a dozen.
One hidden cost: indoor court shoes. Most facilities require non-marking soles, and wearing outdoor shoes on the court is a quick way to get scolded. A pair of court shoes runs 40,000-80,000 won, but they last for years if you only wear them indoors.
Reality check: If you play once a week at a public facility and bring your own gear, you're looking at roughly 20,000-30,000 won per month after initial equipment purchase. That's less than two cafe visits per week.
Unwritten Rules and Court Etiquette
Every sport has its unwritten rules, and badminton and table tennis in Korea are no exception. The most important one: respect your time slot. If you've booked 2-3 PM, you're expected to be off the court by 3 PM sharp, not in the middle of a game at 3:05. The next group will be waiting, and running over is considered inconsiderate.
At public facilities, it's common to greet other players with a small bow or nod when you arrive and leave. This isn't a formal ceremony—just a quick acknowledgment. If a shuttlecock or ball rolls onto your court from an adjacent one, pick it up and gently toss it back. If yours rolls onto someone else's court, wait for a break in their play before retrieving it, or gesture for them to send it back.
For group play and club settings, rotation matters. If there are more people than court space, players typically rotate out after each game to give everyone a turn. Sitting out a round without complaint is expected—everyone takes turns. Also, don't give unsolicited advice unless you're a coach or someone explicitly asks for feedback. Even well-meaning tips can come across as condescending if the other person is just playing for fun.
One thing that took me a while to pick up on: skill level matching. In casual settings, stronger players will often tone down their play when matched against beginners, not to be patronizing but to keep the game enjoyable for everyone. If you're just starting out and someone is clearly holding back, don't take it personally—they're trying to make the rally last longer so you both get practice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Showing up more than 5-10 minutes early and expecting to start before your booked time
- Wearing outdoor shoes on indoor courts (this will get you stopped immediately)
- Hogging the court past your reserved time slot
- Playing music loudly or being excessively loud—courts are often shared spaces with thin dividers
- Not bringing your own equipment and expecting the facility to provide everything
What to Bring (and What's Provided)
Most public facilities provide the court, net, and nothing else. You're expected to bring your own racket or paddle, balls or shuttlecocks, and appropriate clothing. Some private clubs and academies keep loner equipment available, but it's usually low-quality gear meant for absolute beginners or one-time visitors.
For badminton, you'll need a racket, shuttlecocks (bring at least 3-4 if you're playing for an hour), indoor court shoes, and comfortable athletic wear. Shuttlecocks wear out quickly—feather ones perform better but cost more and break faster, while plastic ones are durable but don't fly as naturally. Most casual players use plastic for practice and save feather shuttlecocks for games.
For table tennis, bring a paddle, a few balls, and indoor shoes (regular sneakers are usually fine as long as they're clean). A small towel is also useful—tables can get sweaty, especially during longer sessions. Some players bring their own paddle cases and cleaning supplies, but that's more common among serious players.
One item many beginners overlook: a small bag to keep everything organized. You don't need an expensive sports bag, but having a dedicated place for your gear makes it easier to grab and go, especially if you're playing regularly.
Finding People to Play With
This is often the hardest part, especially if you're new to an area or don't have friends who play. The good news is that both sports have active communities, and most players are open to newcomers as long as you're respectful and willing to learn.
The easiest route is to join open play sessions at community centers. These are drop-in events where players of mixed skill levels show up, and you rotate partners throughout the session. It's low-pressure, and you'll quickly figure out who plays at your level. After a few sessions, you'll start recognizing regulars, and it's easier to exchange contact information or coordinate future games.
Online communities are another option. Naver Cafe has active groups for both sports, organized by neighborhood and skill level. Some groups post regular meetups, while others operate more like message boards where members coordinate games informally. KakaoTalk open chats also exist, though these can be hit-or-miss depending on how active the group is.
If you're comfortable with a bit of awkwardness upfront, you can also approach people directly at the facility. I've done this a few times—just asking if they need a fourth for doubles or if they know of any groups looking for players. Most people are friendly and will either invite you to join or point you toward someone who's organizing regular games.
Where to look for playing partners
- Community center open play sessions (check schedules online or call ahead)
- Naver Cafe groups—search by sport and neighborhood
- University recreational programs (some allow non-students to join)
- Expat and language exchange groups (often organize casual sports meetups)
- Company or workplace sports clubs (if available)
FAQ
Do I need to speak Korean to book courts or join clubs?
For public facility bookings, the online reservation systems are primarily in Korean, though some have English options. You can navigate them with a translation tool if needed. For clubs, it depends—university and expat-friendly groups often have English speakers, while neighborhood clubs tend to operate entirely in Korean. That said, the sport itself is a universal language, and many players are patient with language barriers.
Can I just show up at a public facility without a reservation?
It depends on the facility and time. Some community centers have walk-in hours or open play sessions that don't require advance booking, but prime time slots (evenings and weekends) almost always require reservations. Calling ahead or checking the facility's website is your best bet.
How do I know what skill level I am?
Skill levels aren't standardized outside of competitive leagues. Most clubs use informal categories: beginner (just learning basic rules and grip), intermediate (can maintain rallies and understand strategy), and advanced (competitive play, refined technique). If you're unsure, start with beginner or intermediate groups—people will give you feedback quickly, and you can adjust from there.
What if I don't have my own equipment?
For your first visit, some facilities or clubs may lend you equipment, but don't count on it. Budget gear is affordable enough that it's worth buying a basic racket or paddle (30,000-40,000 won) if you think you'll play more than once. Borrowing repeatedly isn't practical.
Are there women-only or senior-only groups?
Yes. Many community centers run programs specifically for seniors (usually weekday mornings) and women's groups (varies by location). These sessions tend to be more social and less competitive, which some players prefer. Check with your local gu office sports center for specific schedules.
How long does it take to get decent at these sports?
For casual play, you can hold your own in recreational games after 4-6 weeks of regular practice (once or twice a week). If you want to compete in club-level matches or tournaments, expect 6-12 months of consistent practice. Both sports have a surprisingly high skill ceiling, so even experienced players keep improving for years.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Facility hours, fees, booking policies, and club membership requirements may change over time. Please verify key information through official sources (facility websites, gu office sports centers, or direct contact) and consult qualified professionals when appropriate.
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