Buying Korean Baseball(KBO) Tickets as a Foreigner: A Complete Guide

For any foreign friend visiting South Korea, the biggest obstacle to experiencing a KBO League (Korean professional baseball) game live is often the process of buying tickets. I recently found myself in this exact situation, flustered by the unexpected complexity when trying to help a visiting acquaintance book a baseball game. The identity verification and payment systems, which are second nature to Koreans, can feel like an insurmountable wall for tourists.

This guide is a practical manual, based on my own research and experience, for anyone who has faced this challenge or for any tourist eager to dive into the excitement of Korean baseball. I will walk you through the most realistic methods to ensure you can enjoy the KBO League’s vibrant cheering culture and its iconic “chimaek” (chicken and beer) without any trouble.

1. The Impenetrable Wall: The Difficulty of Official Online Booking

The first thing to know is that it is nearly impossible for a foreigner to buy KBO League tickets online through standard methods. The league’s official ticket vendors, such as Interpark and Ticketlink, have systems that effectively block access for international visitors for two main reasons:

• Mobile Phone Verification: The sign-up and booking processes require mandatory identity verification using a mobile phone number registered under the user’s name with a Korean telecommunications provider. Even with a Korean SIM card, short-term travelers can rarely pass this step.
• Payment System Limitations: The payment gateways are optimized for credit or debit cards issued in Korea, or for domestic mobile payment services like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay. Consequently, foreign-issued cards like Visa or Mastercard are frequently rejected.

These barriers often lead to the unfortunate situation where many tourists either give up at the stadium entrance or resort to buying from scalpers. However, there are a few alternative methods you can use to solve this problem.

Interpark Ticket(Official ticket seller for KBO League games, concerts, and other events in South Korea.) : ticket.interpark.com

2. The Sole Online Exception: How to Use the KT Wiz ‘wizzap’ App

Surprisingly, there is one official online channel that allows foreigners to purchase tickets directly: the ‘wizzap’ application from the professional baseball team KT Wiz.

The key advantage here is that the ‘wizzap’ app supports payments with foreign-issued credit cards. My acquaintance successfully purchased tickets using this method. Here is how to do it:

1. Download the App: Search for ‘wizzap’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the official application.
2. Sign Up: After launching the app, proceed with the membership registration. The biggest benefit is that you can sign up easily with just an email address, no mobile phone verification required.
3. Book Tickets: Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Ticket Reservation’ menu from the main screen to select your desired game date and seats.
4. Payment: At the payment stage, it is crucial to find and select the ‘Overseas Issued Card Payment’ option. Using the standard payment window will likely result in an error. This option allows for a smooth transaction with international Visa or Mastercard.
5. Confirm Mobile Ticket: After payment is complete, a QR code-style mobile ticket will be generated in the ‘Smart Ticket’ menu within the app. You can use this QR code to enter the stadium directly without needing to exchange it for a paper ticket.

※ Important Limitation: This method is exclusively for booking KT Wiz home games held at Suwon KT Wiz Park. If you want to see a game at another stadium like Jamsil, Gocheok, or Munhak, or watch a different team, you will need to consider the other options below.

3. The Most Reliable and Convenient Method: Proxy Booking Services

If you are determined to see a specific team’s game or find the app installation and booking process too cumbersome, paying a small fee for a proxy booking service is the most reliable and stress-free solution.

• Personal Assistant/Concierge Services: Among foreign tourists, personal concierge services like GoWonderfully are well-known. You can send them an email or message with your desired team, game date, and seating preference (e.g., first-base cheering section, center table seats), and an agent will book the tickets on your behalf and send you the mobile tickets. The service fee is typically between $10 and $20, but it is the surest way to secure good seats for the game you want.
• Travel Platforms for Foreigners: Platforms like Klook, Viator, and Trazy, which cater to international tourists, also feature KBO baseball-related products. These are often ‘packages’ that include not only tickets but also a guide, souvenirs, or a chimaek experience. While more expensive than buying a ticket alone, the satisfaction can be high for first-timers, as a guide can explain Korea’s unique baseball cheering culture. The main drawback is the limited flexibility in choosing your seats.

4. The Traditional Last Resort: Buying Tickets at the Stadium on Game Day

When all online and proxy options are not feasible, the most classic method is to purchase tickets directly from the stadium’s box office on the day of the game.

• Arriving Early is Essential: For weekday games with a low risk of selling out, it’s safe to arrive at the stadium’s Ticket Box Office at least 90 minutes before the game starts. For popular weekend games, such as the Jamsil rivalry match between the LG Twins and Doosan Bears, arriving at least 2-3 hours in advance is recommended.
• Payment: You don’t have to worry about payment, as most box offices accept foreign-issued credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.).
• Expected Ticket Prices: Prices vary by team and seat location, but here is a general price range to help with your budget planning:
  • Outfield Seats: ₩9,000 – ₩15,000
  • Infield Seats: ₩15,000 – ₩30,000
  • Table Seats: ₩40,000 – ₩80,000 (per person)

Final Summary and Recommendations

You can choose the best method for your situation by considering the pros and cons of each.

In conclusion, if your friend has a specific team or game they want to see, using a proxy booking service is the most certain and mentally sound option, even with the small commission fee. If you have plans to be in Suwon and are interested in a KT Wiz game, the ‘wizzap’ app is an excellent choice for handling the booking yourself. Finally, if you are not tied to a particular game and want to enjoy the stadium atmosphere on a flexible schedule, arriving a bit early for an on-site purchase is also a perfectly good method.

I hope this guide provides practical help to everyone who wants to experience the electrifying passion of Korean baseball.