How to enjoy baseball the Korean way

Tomorrow X Together (TXT) Soo-bin throws the first pitch ahead of the "2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League" KT Wiz against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in southern Seoul, July 29, 2025. Xportsnews

One unforgettable experience you must have while visiting Korea is watching a baseball game. Korean baseball is different from Major League Baseball in the best way possible. From unique stadiums and diverse food options to passionate fan culture and distinctive cheering traditions, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to get tickets and make the most of a Korean baseball game.

Teams and stadiums

The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League consists of 10 teams playing across nine stadiums throughout Korea, making games accessible not only in Seoul but also across the country.

Two Seoul-based teams, the LG Twins and the Doosan Bears, share Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Also located in Seoul, the Kiwoom Heroes play at Gocheok Sky Dome, the league’s only indoor baseball stadium.

Just west of Seoul in Incheon, the SSG Landers play at SSG Landers Field. In Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, the KT Wiz host games at KT Wiz Park. These four stadiums are the most convenient options for visitors staying in or around Seoul.

The newest stadium, opened in 2025 in Daejeon, is home to the Hanwha Eagles. In Daegu, the Samsung Lions play at Samsung Lions Park.

Korean baseball stadiums and their locations / Courtesy of VISITKOREA

Further south, the Lotte Giants are based in Busan and play at Sajik Baseball Stadium, while the NC Dinos compete at NC Park in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province.

Finally, the KIA Tigers play at KIA Champions Field in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.

For the most convenient experience, it’s best to choose a stadium based on where you are staying.

When does the official season start?

The 2026 KBO League season begins on March 28. The exact opening date varies each year, as weather conditions play a major role. This year, the season starts later than usual because the World Baseball Championship (WBC) is in early March.

How to get official game tickets

Official game tickets go on sale one week before the game. Each team has its own official website and links to external ticketing platforms like Ticketlink Global or NOL World. To find out more about ticket sales, visit KBO's ticketing site.

Some ticketing apps require a Korean phone number, which can make online purchases difficult for tourists. Tickets may also be available at the stadium on game day, but availability is not guaranteed. Be sure to arrive several hours early, especially for popular games.

Getting tickets for less popular teams is generally easier, while games featuring rival teams or popular clubs sell out quickly. Tickets for games at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul are especially competitive due to the city’s large population.

Ticket availability is also limited at the beginning and end of the season (April and September). The best time to attend games is typically May through August.

Hanwha Eagles fans in the third base stands cheer during the first game between the Hanwha Eagles and the LG Twins in the "2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Korean Series" at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in southeastern Seoul, Oct. 26, 2025. Xportsnews

Friendly matches

Although the official season starts on March 28, teams play special friendly matches ahead of the competition. The games run from March 12-24, with the exception of March 18. Each team plays a total of 12 games. If a game is canceled due to bad weather, it will not be rescheduled, as these are only friendly matches.

All games are set to begin at 1:00 p.m.

How to get tickets for friendly matches

Friendly match tickets are usually free on weekdays with only a minor service charge of 1,000 won ($0.67). On weekends, ticket prices are set by each team and typically start at around 5,000 won.

Just like the official season games, tickets can be purchased through each team’s official website and through Ticketlink Global or Interpark Global. On-site purchases on game day are available but not guaranteed.

Keep in mind that the atmosphere of friendly matches is very different from that of regular season games. To truly experience Korean baseball culture, it’s best to attend a game during the regular season.

Crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet creamy sauce and spicy sauce / Courtesy of Howdy Korea

How to enjoy a Korean baseball game

To fully enjoy the experience, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before the game starts. Between finding your seat, buying food, watching players warm up and taking photos, time passes quickly.

Food is a huge part of Korean baseball culture. Each stadium offers a wide variety of options, often featuring the most popular and trending foods of the year. Last season, for example, the yogurt ice cream brand Yoajung appeared in many stadiums due to high demand.

Common stadium foods include fried chicken, pizza and tteokbokki (spicy simmered rice cakes). Beer culture is especially prominent, with stalls throughout the stadium and, in some cases, vendors walking through the stands carrying beer for sale in backpacks.

Some stadiums have a barbecue area where you can grill your own meat while watching a game.

Outside food is generally allowed, but rules vary by stadium. All stadiums prohibit glass containers, so be sure to check the list of restricted items beforehand.

Cheering culture

Korea is famous for its enthusiastic baseball cheering culture. Fans participate in loud, synchronized chants, songs and dances for each player.

Sportsmanship is taken seriously, so fans are expected to stay respectful and relatively quiet when the opposing team is at bat.

Cheerleader Lee Joo-eun cheering for the "2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League" match between Lotte Giants and LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in southeastern Seoul, May 21, 2025. Xportsnews

While it’s not necessary to know all the chants, learning a few can greatly enhance your experience. Many chants for each team are available on YouTube.

Some sections are designated cheering zones and include cheerleaders. Fans in these sections are expected to stand and participate actively when their team is at bat, so be sure to check your seat location before purchasing tickets.

Many fans attend games as much for the cheering performances as for the baseball itself.

Merchandise

Official merchandise stores are located inside the stadium, offering seasonal items such as jerseys, hats, bags and cheering sticks. Many stores also allow you to customize jerseys with a player’s name and number on the spot.

Once you get to the stadium, you will see people dressed in their team’s jersey, many of them autographed. Make sure to get a jersey or the representative color of the team to fully engage in the team cheering culture.

A cheering match is underway in the game between the KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions in Game 5 of the "2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Postseason" at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, Oct. 28, 2024. Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon

Transportation

Getting to the stadium is easy thanks to Korea’s advanced and affordable public transportation system. You can use apps such as Naver Map for easy and detailed directions.

Driving is not recommended, as parking is limited. Subways, trains, and taxis are usually better options. However, taxis can be hard to catch after games, and public transportation may be extremely crowded. Leaving slightly early or waiting a short while after the game ends can help you avoid the rush.

What makes Korean baseball different?

Korean baseball stands out from both Western and other Asian baseball leagues. The passionate cheering culture, high-quality stadium food and strong sense of community create a unique atmosphere. Games often feature celebrity first pitches, and you might even spot your favorite K-pop idol or actor participating.

A Korean baseball game is more than just a sporting event, it’s a cultural experience you’ll never forget.

Kim Sur-hyun is a Korea Times intern.