Last month, I took my American friend Mike, a die-hard MLB fan, to a KBO game. As a Yankees supporter for over 20 years, I was curious to see his take on Korean professional baseball. The verdict? He was blown away, repeatedly asking, “Has baseball always been this much fun?” Here is a guide to experiencing a KBO game, based on our adventure.
The KBO League: A Cultural Experience Beyond Baseball
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League is the country’s top-tier baseball league, featuring 10 teams. While the rules of the game are the same as in MLB, the atmosphere is entirely different. Unlike the often quiet and analytical viewing culture of MLB, a KBO stadium is a dynamic space where the fans are the main characters.
After his first game, Mike remarked, “American baseball stadiums feel like libraries compared to this.” Indeed, at a KBO game, the cheering is a relentless part of the experience that continues until the final out in the ninth inning. The stands transform into a massive karaoke room, and the fans become the “10th player” on the field rather than mere spectators.
Step 1: The Importance of Preparation
Choosing a Game and Learning About the Teams
You can check the game schedule on the official KBO website or Naver Sports. Since we were staying in Seoul, we chose a game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium between the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins.
For accessibility, I recommend the following teams:
Doosan Bears & LG Twins – These two rivals share Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, making them the most accessible options if you’re staying in the capital.
Lotte Giants – Famous for the passionate cheering culture at Busan’s Sajik Baseball Stadium. Their fight song, “Busan Galmaegi” (Busan Gull), is a national classic known even by those who don’t follow baseball.
KIA Tigers – Based at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, this is a prestigious club holding the record for the most KBO championships.
Realistic Advice for Ticket Purchases
Buying tickets online presents a significant hurdle for foreigners. Major ticketing sites like Interpark Ticket and Ticketlink often require a Korean mobile phone number for verification and a locally issued credit card. While some systems may have started accepting alien registration cards or foreign-issued cards, the process remains complicated for short-term visitors.
The most reliable method is purchasing tickets in person at the stadium box office on the day of the game. Ticket sales typically begin 2-3 hours before the game starts. For popular matchups, I recommend arriving at least two hours early. We chose a weekday game and were able to buy our tickets with ease.
Seat Selection: The Cheering Section is the Answer
Your choice of seating will define your experience. Do not hesitate—choose the cheering section. Located in the infield area along the first base line (home team) or third base line (visiting team), this section is the heart of KBO culture.
On a stage in front of this section, a cheer master and cheerleaders lead the fans for all nine innings. Watching everyone stand, sing, and dance, Mike said, “This is the real fun of baseball.”
If you prefer to watch the game quietly, table seats and other general seating are fine, but to experience the true essence of the KBO, the cheering section is a must.
Step 2: The Gameday Experience
Transportation and Entry
Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul is incredibly convenient, directly connected to Sports Complex Station on subway lines 2 and 9. As parking is limited and post-game traffic is severe, I strongly recommend taking the subway.
There is a simple bag check at the entrance, but it’s far more relaxed than at MLB stadiums. One of the most surprising things about KBO stadiums is the lenient policy on outside food. You can freely bring in pizza, hamburgers, snacks, and whatever else you desire.
For safety reasons, canned alcoholic beverages are the only items restricted. You can bring beer or soju in plastic bottles. If you do bring canned beer, you will be asked to pour it into a plastic cup at the entrance.
Stadium Food: Chimaek is a Must, Not an Option
The culinary experience, or meokbang, is an essential part of a Korean baseball game. In particular, chimaek (chicken and beer) is synonymous with watching KBO baseball. After trying the combination of crispy fried chicken and cold beer, Mike lamented, “Why didn’t we think of this in America?”
Beyond chimaek, there are many other options, including spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes), freshly grilled sausages, and salty dried squid. Some stadiums, like Incheon SSG Landers Field, even have barbecue zones where you can grill your own pork belly. You can buy food from vendors inside or, at some parks, have it delivered directly to your seat.
Step 3: The Essence of KBO Cheering Culture
The Cheer Master and Player-Specific Chants
What makes the KBO special is its unique cheering culture. The cheer master on the stage leads the crowd with a charismatic voice for all nine innings. The cheerleaders’ dazzling routines amplify the energy in the stadium.
Most impressively, every batter has a unique walk-up song. When a player steps into the batter’s box, tens of thousands of fans sing his chant in unison. Mike was amazed, comparing it to a K-pop concert.
The Joy of Participation
Don’t worry if you don’t know the lyrics or dance moves. Simply clapping along with the fans around you and banging together your thundersticks (makdae pungseon) is more than enough. The sound of thousands of these inflatable plastic sticks hitting each other creates a deafening roar.
Mike was a bit awkward at first, but by the third inning, he was cheering as hard as anyone. It was a perfect demonstration that “what matters is the spirit of having fun together, not getting it perfect.”
Practical Tips and Basic Korean
Here are some useful Korean phrases for the ballpark:
- 야구장 (Yagujang): Baseball stadium
- 매표소 (Mae-pyo-so): Ticket office
- 응원석 (Eung-won-suk): Cheering section
- 치맥 (Chi-maek): Chicken and beer
- 화장실 (Hwa-jang-sil): Restroom
- 화이팅! (Hwaiting!): A Korean cheer
“Hwaiting!” differs from the English word “fighting.” It is the most common cheer, meaning “Let’s go!,” “Do your best!,” or “You can do it!”
Conclusion: A Cultural Experience Beyond a Simple Game
After three hours, the game ended, and Mike said, “I never knew baseball could be this exciting.” Attending a KBO game is more than just watching a sport; it’s a special cultural activity where you can directly experience the Korean concepts of heung (excitement and joy) and jeong (a deep sense of connection).
If you go with an open mind and allow yourself to be swept up in the passionate wave of cheering, you are guaranteed to make unforgettable memories. Don’t hesitate—head for the cheering section. That’s where you will discover the true magic of Korean baseball.
🏟️ Planning a visit to Jamsil Baseball Stadium? [Check out my tips]