S Korea officials warned off golf

Golf is hugely popular in South Korea, but it is an expensive hobby.

It is estimated that an average club near the capital charges $250,000 to $500,000 to join and members can expect to pay $250 per guest for a weekend round on the green.

The high costs of playing has meant many players fly to other parts of Asia where it is cheaper to play.

Lee was elected in February, but has been battling low popularity ratings and with the economy below par, he has had to abandon his ambitious economic growth targets for the year.