Two of Asia’s longest-running and most popular championships will return to the Asian Tour schedule in 2023.

The 42nd edition of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship will be staged at Namseoul Country Club from May 4-7.

The Asian Tour’s finest players will then return to Korea from June 22-25 for the Kolon The 65th Korea Open Golf Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & Chief Executive Officer at the Asian Tour, said: “We’re delighted to be able to confirm that these two fabulous championships will form part of what’s shaping up to be a record-breaking season for the Asian Tour.

“Our thanks go to the sponsors, the Korea Golf Association for their continued support, and Namseoul and Woo Jeong Hills, which are familiar venues to top-level tournament golf.”

In particular, Bio Kim and Minkyu Kim will be looking forward to returning to the scenes of memorable triumphs in 2022.

Roared on by a large final-day gallery, Bio Kim carded a closing one-over-par 72 to claim his overdue maiden Asian Tour title with a nine-under total. He had also won the Maekyung Open at Namseoul in 2012, although it was not then part of the Asian Tour.

Of the Namseoul venue, Kim said: “It’s a place where I grew up and where I practice a lot. That’s a reason why I’ve had success here. I like the golf course … and my house is about 20 minutes away. That helps!”

Minkyu Kim, meanwhile, secured his first Asian Tour title and first victory as a professional on Korean soil at his country’s national Open at Woo Jeong Hills in 2022 following a tense three-hole play-off with compatriot Mingyu Cho.

In so doing he added his name to the illustrious list of Korea Open winners, which includes Major champions Y.E. Yang, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and John Daly.