Forest - Valley at The Classic Golf & Resort

The Classic Golf & Resort's Forest-Valley course occupies terrain in Seogwipo, on the southern coast of Jeju Island, where the volcanic landscape and subtropical climate create a distinctive setting for golf in South Korea. Jack Nicklaus designed the course to work with the island's natural topography, incorporating elevation changes and native vegetation that give the layout its name. The routing moves through forested corridors and descends into valley sections, taking advantage of the dramatic shifts in grade that characterize much of Jeju's interior.

Nicklaus courses in Asia typically emphasize strategic bunkering and green complexes that reward precision over distance, and Forest-Valley follows this template while adapting to the site's particular challenges. The volcanic soil drains well, and the design incorporates views toward Hallasan, the shield volcano that dominates the island's center. Holes play through stands of pine and broadleaf trees, with the forest providing definition and wind protection on some holes while the valley sections open to broader vistas and exposure.

The Classic Golf & Resort operates as part of Jeju's golf tourism infrastructure, which expanded significantly in the 2000s to attract visitors from throughout East Asia. The Forest-Valley course serves both resort guests and members, fitting into the island's reputation as a golf destination that combines playable championship-caliber layouts with access to Jeju's coastal scenery and cultural sites. The course remains less internationally prominent than some of Nicklaus's other Asian designs but represents his approach to working with challenging volcanic terrain.