The stadium experience is undeniably the most captivating aspect one can encounter. Regardless of one's nationality, there is often a deep love for the sports of their homeland. From cricket in Britain to rugby in New Zealand, each country has its own cherished pastime, and for America, it has always been baseball, though its current status may be subject to debate. However, it is worth noting that baseball has transcended borders and become a global phenomenon that draws crowds from every corner of the world. The World Baseball Classic, a highly popular sports exhibition, garners immense following, and even the Little League World Series receives substantial coverage on numerous sports channels.
So, how does baseball fare in Korea?
Excluding football, no other sport in the country can compare to the level of excitement generated by baseball. Just like anywhere else, fans in Korea pledge their allegiance to a favorite team and proudly don matching hats and jerseys, creating a massive throng of fervent supporters yearning for victory under the luminous lights of the stadium.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), which oversees both the lower level Futures League and the professional Korea Professional Baseball, consists of nine franchises (with ten in 2015) and commands a zealous following among its citizens.
Television broadcasts ensure that baseball games can be enjoyed from the comfort of one's home, but there are also intriguing differences that set Korean baseball apart from the rest of the world.
For instance, in Korea, individual teams are owned by major Korean corporations, such as Samsung and Kia. Unlike sports teams in other countries, these teams bear names that reflect their ownership, rather than the city in which they are based.
Additionally, every Monday is a rest day for the league, and no game is allowed to extend beyond 12 innings. An All-Star game takes place in mid-July, and the season culminates with a four-team playoff to determine the champion. However, the most captivating aspect lies in the stadium experience itself.
Spanning across eight stadiums (one of which serves as home to two teams), each offering its own unique atmosphere and amenities, Korean baseball allows spectators to bring their own food and drinks, distinguishing it from many other countries. Nevertheless, there are also vendors throughout the stadiums selling chicken, pizza, and traditional Korean delicacies. The price of beer at the stadium remains the same as that in convenience stores, negating the need for multiple ATM trips. As you revel in the electrifying atmosphere, you may also find cheerleaders dancing in your section, fans clapping thundersticks, and the echoes of deafening screams reverberating throughout the stadium.
Before purchasing a jersey, it is advisable to acquaint oneself with the distinct experiences offered by each stadium.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium, nestled within the expansive Seoul Sports Complex in Songpa-gu, stands as one of the largest sports venues in the country, serving as home to two KBO teams. Although reaching the stadium through the congested expressway may prove challenging, the sight of this structure across the Hangang River is truly a breathtaking spectacle. Over the years, Jamsil Stadium has hosted various international events, including the 1982 Baseball World Cup and baseball events during the 1988 Summer Olympics. To cater to different culinary preferences, this stadium even houses western restaurants such as Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Moreover, keep an eye out for vendors carrying keg backpacks, selling Max beer throughout the stands. For the convenience of international visitors, the Bears website provides an English page for purchasing tickets in advance.
Mokdong Baseball Stadium, the second field to host professional baseball games in Seoul, may lack the grandeur and keg backpacks of Jamsil Stadium, but the quality of baseball played here is just as remarkable. Although the Nexen Heroes name has only existed since 2008, the team has gone by multiple monikers, including Sammi Superstars, Chongbo Pintos, and notably, the Hyundai Unicorns, who clinched four national titles. Despite the Heroes' absence of a championship, their dedicated fans remain ecstatic, given the team's current fourth-place position in the KBO standings. This stadium has also hosted three of the four major national high school baseball tournaments in Korea, including the prestigious Blue Dragon Flag Tournament.
Hanbat Baseball Stadium, situated within the Hanbat Sports Complex, which opened its doors in 1964, is among the oldest arenas in Korea. Although it may be fairly small in size, it stands out for offering skybox seats to those seeking a VIP experience. For visiting teams, the Hanbat Stadium's field is surrounded by a fence that, standing at 1.5 meters high, proves to be a dream come true for home run hitters. Despite the struggles of the home team, the Hanwha Eagles, currently placed last in the standings, this team remains significant as the KBO home of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyu-jin Ryu.
Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium, located within a sprawling sports complex alongside a soccer field and a horse racing track, provides another electrifying stadium experience. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the Kia Tigers, renowned as the KBO's most successful team, having won ten national championships. Fans eager to witness the Tigers in action can enjoy some of the most affordable tickets among all stadiums, with special sections tailored for families of four priced at a mere 144,000 won.
Sajik Stadium, a baseball venue closer to the beach, resides in the southern metropolitan area of Busan. With a seating capacity of up to 28,500 passionate fans, Sajik ranks as one of the largest stadiums in South Korea and serves as home to the Lotte Giants. Though the Busan Sports Complex is primarily noted for hosting events during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the baseball grounds hosted the 2012 Asia Series, an international baseball tournament featuring teams from East Asia and Australia. Visitors to the stadium can also explore the Giants museum, offering interactive exhibits, past uniforms, and purchasable memorabilia that will serve as lasting mementos of their experience.
Masan Baseball Stadium, home to the KBO's newest team, the NC Dinos, stands in the city of Changwon. The Dinos may currently sit lower in the standings, but their fans remain enthusiastic about the newly renovated stadium, which also serves as a secondary home to the Lotte Giants. While Masan may not possess unique features that distinguish it from other stadiums, it does offer reasonably priced food and drinks. In addition to the baseball game, visitors to Changwon can also explore the Changwon Science Center and the numerous breathtaking natural landscapes in the surrounding area.
Daegu Citizen Stadium, the oldest facility in the country, established in 1948, is the home of the defending champion Samsung Lions, who currently maintain the top position in the standings and seek their third consecutive national title. Flaunting six national championship banners, the second most in league history, Daegu Citizen Stadium is a must-visit for those interested in keeping up with the returning champions. The Samsung Lions website provides an English page, enabling fans to access the team's roster, season statistics, and upcoming schedule.
Munhak Baseball Stadium, set in the northwestern coastal city of Incheon, is another grand stadium that plays host to an exhilarating team. Home to the SK Wyverns, established in 2000, this stadium is the newest addition to the KBO, having been built in 2002. It offers skybox seats for VIPs, as well as mini skybox seats. Thanks to its expansive seating, Munhak Baseball Stadium has been chosen to host several international events, including the 2012 Under 18 Baseball World Championship and the upcoming 2014 Asian Games. Undoubtedly, the main attraction here is the Wyverns, the only team, aside from the Samsung Lions, to have won a national title in the past three years. Moreover, the stadium provides reserve seating in the Barbecue Zone, allowing groups of fans to enjoy their own barbecue grills and create a tailgating experience while watching the game.
