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Korean Society of Leisure, Recreation & Park
[ Article ]
Korean Journal of Leisure, Recreation & Park - Vol. 50, No. 2, pp.1-18
ISSN: 1598-0413 (Print)
Print publication date 30 Jun 2026
Received 29 Apr 2026 Revised 02 Jun 2026 Accepted 08 Jun 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26446/kjlrp.2026.6.50.2.1

피클볼에 대한 국내 종사자의 인식과 평생스포츠로서의 적합성 탐색

이정연1 ; 이경은2 ; 허진무3
1연세대학교 박사과정
2연세대학교 박사과정
3연세대학교 교수
Exploring Industry Professionals’ Perceptions of Pickleball in South Korea and Its Suitability as a Lifetime Sport
Lee, Jung Yeun1 ; Lee, Kyung Eun2 ; Heo, Jinmoo3
1Yonsei University
2Yonsei University
3Yonsei University

Correspondence to: Heo, Jinmoo E-mail: heoj@yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine perceptions of pickleball among accredited individuals working within the pickleball industry in South Korea through a qualitative research approach. Grounded in the theory Diffusion of Innovations, this study examines the diffusion stage of pickleball as an emerging sport and identifies its current position and perceived attributes within the South Korean market. Moreover, this study seeks to generate meaningful insights that can support the promotion and development of pickleball, while also highlighting its suitability as a lifetime sport. By conducting in-depth interviews with experts who are actively involved in pickleball and possess direct experience and knowledge of the sport in South Korea, this study aims to explore both the explicit and underlying perceptions of pickleball. In doing so, it provides a grounded understanding of how the sport is interpreted, socially accepted, and positioned within the local sporting landscape. From the results, five overarching themes were identified, revealing key factors that contribute to viewing pickleball as an accessible and sustainable lifetime sport. Furthermore, this study contributes to the public health and sport industry of South Korea by providing empirical insight to developing emerging sports such as pickleball, and adds value to the understanding of lifetime sports.

Keywords:

pickleball, emerging sport, lifetime sport, new sport, diffusion of innovations, sport perception

키워드:

피클볼, 평생스포츠, 뉴스포츠, 혁신확산, 스포츠 인식

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