Korean professional baseball offers far more than just a game; it boasts a dynamic cheering culture where fans and players unite. The thunderous roar of support filling the stadium electrifies the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience. Having frequently visited Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which felt like a second home, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about watching Korean baseball.
The Genesis and Evolution of Korean Professional Baseball Cheering
In the early days of professional baseball in the 1980s, a distinct cheering culture was nonexistent. It was simply shouts and applause, and the fight songs we now know were unheard of. However, as the KBO League grew in scale and public interest in baseball soared, a unique Korean professional baseball cheering culture began to take shape in the late 1980s.
Mascot characters, roaming throughout the stadium to energize the crowd, are the symbols and faces of each club. These diverse characters, reflecting their team’s characteristics, cheer alongside spectators or playfully interact with the opposing team’s section. Watching these mascots is a significant part of the joy of attending a live game.
Beyond the Ordinary: Korean Baseball’s Unique Cheering Styles
Koreans, often called the “people of excitement,” truly showcase this spirit in their cheering. It’s standard practice to sing fight songs and chant slogans according to the game situation to boost players’ morale. For instance, the Doosan Bears’ “Men and Women Cheering” is famous for its division of cheering parts between male and female spectators, while the Hanwha Eagles’ “Vocal Cheering” is well-known for fans vigorously shouting “Go Hanwha!” every 8th inning.
Cheering tools are also incredibly diverse. In the past, Lotte Giants fans had a unique tradition of wearing orange plastic bags on their heads. More recently, KT Wiz introduced centrally-controlled light sticks, similar to those seen at idol concerts, and other clubs have followed suit. It will be exciting to see what innovative cheering tools emerge next.
A Gastronomic Feast at the Ballpark
No baseball game experience is complete without a refreshing beer and delicious food. Each stadium offers special culinary delights that enhance the cheering experience.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
“Jamsil Wonshot” is a popular menu item, reminiscent of “Col-pop” from my school days, combining a drink and food in one convenient container, perfect for enjoying one-handed. Recently, it switched to reusable containers, contributing to environmental protection. Additionally, Tongppap’s Kimchi Mal-i Guksu (kimchi noodle soup) and Samgyeopsal (pork belly) were my go-to combination whenever I visited. I also highly recommend the tteokbokki and spam rice ball set.
Location Info
- Name: Jamsil Baseball Stadium
- Type: Baseball Stadium
- Known for: Home of Doosan Bears and LG Twins, vibrant cheering culture, unique food vendors8
- Address: 25 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Suwon KT Wiz Park
Boyeong Mandu is a recognized matjip (must-visit restaurant) even among Doosan fans; the combination of jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles) and gunmandu (fried dumplings) perfectly embodies the phrase, “The familiar taste is frighteningly good.” This stadium also features barbecue and camping zone seats, allowing you to grill your own samgyeopsal while enjoying the game at your leisure.
Location Info
- Name: Suwon KT Wiz Park
- Type: Baseball Stadium
- Known for: Home of KT Wiz, barbecue and camping zone seating, famous Boyeong Mandu
- Address: 500 Gyeongsu-daero, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Gocheok Sky Dome
The “Cream Shrimp” at Gocheok Sky Dome is so renowned among baseball fans that you need to arrive at least two hours before the game starts to get a taste. If the game isn’t going your way and you’re feeling stressed, let the plump fried shrimp and spicy, savory cream sauce comfort you.
Location Info
- Name: Gocheok Sky Dome
- Type: Baseball Stadium (Indoor)
- Known for: Home of Kiwoom Heroes, popular cream shrimp, only domed baseball stadium in Korea
- Address: 430 Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Incheon SSG Landers Field
Incheon SSG Landers Field also features a barbecue zone where you can grill meat and enjoy the game. These special seats are highly competitive, so I recommend booking quickly when tickets open.
Location Info
- Name: Incheon SSG Landers Field
- Type: Baseball Stadium
- Known for: Home of SSG Landers, barbecue zone seating
- Address: 618 Maesohol-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Practical Guide to Visiting a Baseball Stadium: Focusing on Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Jamsil Baseball Stadium, one of my favorite ballparks, is most appealing for its grandeur. Unlike many other stadiums, its upper-tier seating is not divided but continuous, creating a truly special atmosphere.
Getting to Jamsil Baseball Stadium
- By Subway: For ticket collection or entry to the outfield, use Sports Complex Station (Comprehensive Sports Complex Station) Exit 5. For direct entry to the 3rd base (away team) side, Exit 6 is more convenient.
- Parking: If you plan to drive to the stadium, always arrive with plenty of time, at least two hours before the game. Parking lots are always crowded.
- Jamsil Sports Complex Auxiliary Parking Lot: Closest to the stadium, but also the most crowded. The fee is ₩6,000 prepaid.
- Tancheon Public Parking Lot: Approximately a 10-minute walk. The fee is ₩600 per 30 minutes.
- Asia Park Public Parking Lot: Approximately a 15-minute walk. The fee is ₩1,500 per 30 minutes.
Ticket Purchase and Entry Tips
Self-service Kiosks: Both self-service kiosks and ticket booths are located near Exit 5. Even with long lines, the self-service kiosks move surprisingly fast. You only need your phone number and date of birth, or your reservation number and date of birth.
Entry: At Jamsil Baseball Stadium, you cannot cross from the infield to the outfield or vice-versa once inside. Therefore, if you’ve booked outfield seats, you won’t be able to buy food from the infield vendors, so it’s best to prepare in advance. There are some food options outside the stadium. If you want to watch the ceremonial first pitch, it’s advisable to enter quickly.
Seat Selection Guide
Looking at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium seating chart, there are various options. While Blue, Orange, and Red sections are generally considered better, the Navy section is often superior to the far end of the Red section. Navy seats offer excellent visibility from anywhere, making them ideal for enjoying the game. Especially on days when rain is expected, booking seats at the back of the Navy section allows you to watch the game without getting wet.
From my seat in Block 121, Row 8, Seats 111 and 112 in the 3rd Base Red section, the game felt surprisingly close, and I could see the players clearly. While a net is in place for safety on lower tiers, it doesn’t significantly obstruct the view during actual viewing. I recommend checking the view using services like “Jari-eottae” before booking.
More Fun at the Ballpark: Concessions and Facility Map
Jamsil Baseball Stadium features a variety of convenience facilities and food booths.
In-Stadium Food Options (Based on 3rd Base Infield Entrance)
Outside the stadium (near 3rd Base Infield Entrance): Jamyulbak (chicken), BHC, Wonshot Chicken, convenience stores, etc.
Inside the stadium (3rd Base Infield):
- Tongppap: Sells Kimchi Mal-i Guksu and Samgyeopsal. There’s also a Tongppap at the far end of the 1st base side, so if the line at the 3rd base Tongppap is long, you can try the 1st base side.
- Wapang (Waffle), Dal.komm Coffee, KFC, BBQ Chicken, Jaws Tteokbokki, Yoajeong (Yogurt Ice Cream), etc. Yoajeong also sells set menus, but they are a bit pricey.
Outside the stadium (beyond the gates): Jamsil Wonshot Chicken, Igane Tteokbokki, XO Hotdog, etc. Igane Tteokbokki is particularly delicious when you mix rice balls (spam rice balls recommended) into the leftover sauce after finishing the tteokbokki.
Beer Boys: Beer boys roam the stadium selling draft beer, so you can simply raise your hand to purchase.
Shopping and Other Facilities
- Away Team Store (Bears House): Located near the 3rd Base Infield Entrance (before entry), right out of Subway Exit 6. There is also a store inside the stadium, but it’s sometimes closed.
- Home Team Store (Twins Team Store, Apparel Shop): Located on the 1st base side, with the jersey customization area right next to it.
- Brussels Frites: Located up the ramp from the 3rd base to the 1st base side, next to Jjaktae Family.
- Fight Song Challenge Booth: Near Brussels Frites, also available on the 1st base side.
- Glove and Helmet Rental Booth: Located on the 1st base side; available for rent to all spectators, not just those in the Exciting Zone.
Conclusion
Watching Korean professional baseball delivers excitement and enjoyment beyond just the game itself. The passionate cheering, delicious food, and special memories created with fellow fans further highlight the charm of Korean baseball. Although securing good seats has become incredibly difficult these days, like reaching for the stars, I hope this article provides some assistance to those planning to experience a live Korean baseball game. I’m already looking forward to what new experiences await me on my next visit to the ballpark!