Turfgrass is classified into cool-season grasses (northern-type grasses) and warm-season grasses (southern-type grasses) according to their growth environment and region of origin. Cool-season grasses have an optimal growth temperature of 15.5–24.0°C and thrive in cool climates. They grow vigorously in spring and autumn, while experiencing summer decline (heat stress dormancy) during hot weather.

In Korea, cool-season grasses can maintain their green color from February to November. However, because they require relatively high amounts of water and intensive management, they are primarily used on sports fields and golf courses. Warm-season grasses have an optimal growth temperature of 26.6–35.0°C and grow mainly in warm and humid regions.

Warm-season grasses generally require less water than cool-season grasses and are easier to manage. In Korea, they maintain their green color from May to October. Cool-season turfgrass types include bentgrasses, bluegrasses, ryegrasses, and fescues. Warm-season turfgrass types include zoysiagrasses (Korean lawn grasses), bermudagrasses, buffalograsses, bahiagrasses, centipedegrasses, and St. Augustinegrasses.

Among the turfgrasses cultivated in Korea, zoysiagrass (Korean lawn grass), a warm-season grass, occupies the largest cultivation area.