The Republic of Korea has transformed women’s golf into a financial powerhouse. Korean players control nearly 40% of LPGA Tour prize money. Inbee Park leads retired players with $18 million net worth and $18.2 million career earnings across 21 victories.
Jin Young Ko dominates active players with $20 million estimated net worth from 14 wins including three majors. Eight Korean players earned over $1 million in 2025 alone.
This analysis reveals how Korean golfers systematically built the sport’s largest fortunes.
Explore the Republic of Korea LPGA players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Name | Net Worth |
| A Lim Kim | $2 million |
| Amy Yang | $5 million |
| Eun-Hee Ji | $3 million |
| Haeji Kang | $10 million |
| Haeran Ryu | $1 million |
| Hee Young Park | $6 million |
| Hye-Jin Choi | $5 million |
| Hyo Joo Kim | $10 million |
| Hyo Joon Jang | $1 million |
| Ilhee Lee | $2 million |
| In Gee Chun | $15 million |
| In Kyung Kim | $1 million |
| Ina Yoon | $400,000 |
| Jenny Shin | $1 million |
| Jeongeun Lee5 | $2 million |
| Jeongeun Lee | $2 million |
| Jin Hee Im | $900K |
| Jin Young Ko | $5 million |
| Jiwon Jeon | $300k |
| Kumkang Park | $300,000-$500,000 |
| Mi Hyang Lee | $3 million |
| Minji Kang | $100k |
| Mirim Lee | $4.8 million |
| Narin An | $1,800,000 |
| Sei Young Kim | $4 million |
| So Yeon Ryu | $12-15 million |
| Somi Lee | $2 million |
| Soo Bin Joo | $1 million |
| Sung Hyun Park | $3 million |
| Na Rin An | $2 million |
| Jiyai Shin | $1 million |
| Yaeeun Hong | $1.5 million |
| Yu Jin Sung | $500,000 |
Korean LPGA Millionaires: The Elite Circle
South Korea places more players in LPGA’s all-time top 20 earnings than any country except the United States.
| Rank | Player | Career Earnings | Wins | Major Wins | Net Worth |
| 1 | Jin Young Ko | $16.4M | 14 | 2 | $20M |
| 2 | Inbee Park | $18.2M | 21 | 7 | $18M |
| 3 | Sei Young Kim | $15.2M | 13 | 1 | $16M |
| 4 | Hyo Joo Kim | $8.8M | 7 | 1 | $12M |
| 5 | Se Ri Pak | $12.1M | 25 | 5 | $10M |
Jin Young Ko: World’s Most Dominant Active Golfer
Jin Young Ko has amassed $16.4 million in career earnings with $20 million estimated net worth. The 29-year-old held world No. 1 for 166 total weeks. She won three LPGA Player of the Year awards (2019, 2020, 2021).
Ko won $3.5 million in 2021 alone, the third-highest single-season total in LPGA history at that time. Her $1.1 million CME Group check in 2020 came after playing just four LPGA events that year. She demonstrated her ability to win majors with limited preparation.
Korean corporate sponsorships multiply Ko’s income beyond tournament earnings. She maintains partnerships with Titleist, Lotte Group, and Korean Air worth $3-4 million annually. These deals provide financial stability even during competitive slumps.
Inbee Park: Seven-Time Major Champion’s Legacy
Inbee Park retired as one of golf’s wealthiest athletes with $18.2 million in LPGA earnings. She won seven major championships including the career Grand Slam. Only six players in LPGA history have accomplished this feat. Park held world No. 1 for 109 weeks from 2013-2018.
Her 2013 season remains legendary. Park won three consecutive majors: Kraft Nabisco, LPGA Championship, and U.S. Women’s Open. She earned nearly $2.5 million that year. She won Player of the Year three times and topped the money list four times.
Park’s endorsement portfolio included Samsung, Callaway, and Korean tourism brands. Post-retirement, she focuses on course design and LPGA commentary. Her ambassador roles generate $1-2 million annually.
Se Ri Pak: The Pioneer Who Started It All
Se Ri Pak revolutionized Korean women’s golf with $12.1 million in career earnings across 25 victories. She won five majors including both the LPGA Championship and U.S. Women’s Open in her 1998 rookie season. Her estimated $10 million net worth remains substantial despite retiring in 2016.
Pak’s cultural impact exceeded her financial success. She became Korea’s first female golf superstar. Her success triggered massive Korean investment in junior golf programs. This created the pipeline that produces today’s champions.
2025: Eight Korean Millionaires Lead LPGA
Korean players earned over $15 million combined in 2025. Eight players surpassed $1 million individually. Choi Hye-jin led all Koreans with $2.16 million despite zero victories. She achieved this through nine top-10 finishes in 24 starts.
2025 Korean Million-Dollar Earners:
- Choi Hye-jin: $2.16M (0 wins, 9 top-10s)
- Hyo Joo Kim: $1.74M (1 win)
- Sei Young Kim: $1.65M (1 win)
- Kim A-rim: $1.64M (1 win)
- Im Jin-hee: $1.39M (1 win)
- Yoo Hae-ran: $1.37M (1 win)
While Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul won the money title with $7.5 million, Korea placed more players in the top 20 earners. The Korean development system prioritizes consistent top-20 finishes over boom-bust volatility.
Why Korean Players Dominate Financially
Korean golfers benefit from unique advantages that accelerate wealth accumulation. The KLPGA Tour provides domestic earning opportunities worth $200,000-$500,000 annually for top players. Korean corporate sponsors pay premium rates for both domestic and international star power.
Top Korean players command $100,000-$300,000 per appearance at events in Korea, Japan, and China. This creates additional revenue streams American or European players cannot access.
Major endorsement deals:
- Lotte Group, Samsung, Korean Air partnerships
- Premium Asia-Pacific equipment deals
- Tourism ambassadorships
The systematic development pipeline produces players with identical training and financial management education. Korean players typically turn professional with clearer wealth-building strategies than competitors.
FAQs
Who is the richest Korean LPGA player?
Jin Young Ko with $20 million net worth and $16.4 million in career earnings. She has won 14 LPGA tournaments including two majors.
How many Korean players earned over $1 million in 2025?
Eight Korean players earned over $1 million in 2025 LPGA prize money. Choi Hye-jin led with $2.16 million despite not winning a tournament.
What is Inbee Park’s net worth?
Inbee Park has $18 million net worth with $18.2 million in career LPGA earnings. She won 21 tournaments including seven majors.
Did Se Ri Pak inspire Korean golf dominance?
Yes. Se Ri Pak’s 1998 rookie success winning two majors triggered massive Korean investment in junior golf development.
How much did Jin Young Ko earn in her best year?
Jin Young Ko earned $3.5 million in 2021, winning Player of the Year for the third consecutive season.
Why do Korean players earn more than other nationalities?
Korean players access multiple income sources: LPGA earnings, KLPGA Tour events, premium Korean endorsements, and Asian appearance fees.
