SOCCER IN Korea is enjoy unparalleled popularity. The recent rise of soccer stars such as Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, and Cho Gyu-sung along with more recognition of domestic clubs and their players have solidified the sport as an important cultural trend. The Korea Professional Football League announced that the K League, Korea’s domestic soccer league, recorded an accumulation of 2 million viewers this season, with an average of approximately 15,000 per match.[1] This number is the highest since 2013, evidencing the ascendancy of domestic soccer culture. Amidst such ongoing interest in the sport, *The Yonsei Annals* selected several venues around Seoul where individuals can feel the charm of soccer culture with ease.

Opus: Beer with a ball

    It is often difficult to find a venue in Seoul where individuals gather to cheer for soccer matches. Although the concept and interior design are somewhat different from the common European soccer pubs, *Opus* is one of the few places in Seoul that mainly focuses on watching such games with refreshing drinks. Located on the right side of Yonsei-ro, the pub was created by a fervent fan of FC Seoul. Such ardor can be felt right after entering; uniforms and club banners fill the walls and provide colorful stimulation, which combines with the yellow lighting to create a sportive atmosphere. A vast screen standing firmly on one wall constantly displays live broadcasts of soccer games, as if declaring to the visitors that the venue is indeed an appropriate place to enjoy the sport.

   The attractiveness of Opus is not only due to the fact that it is an adequate place to view a game or two. Rather, the meticulous details of the interior that change for each broadcasted match in the pub add a unique reason to visit the place. For big games such as World Cup matches or finals of celebrated tournaments, Opus decorates its space with related posters and goods. Seats full of visitors wearing uniforms for their teams harmonize with such extravagant details to create an atmosphere indistinguishable from that of local venues in Europe. Furthermore, the pub’s appeal is not limited to just those who are dedicated to soccer culture; the offer of authentic beers such as Efes and Indica IPA is an additional incentive to visit the pub. In this sense, the experience will be memorable for both passionate soccer fans and those who are curious about the culture.

Address: Yonsei-ro 7 gil 18, 2F, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Operating hours: 18:00-04:00 

Seoul World Cup Stadium Tour: All about the game

   Stadium tours are rarely recognized in Korea compared to the renowned programs of various clubs in Europe. However, there exists a special opportunity to intimately witness the grounds of the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the largest and most iconic soccer arena in Korea. Two on-the-spot and two VR tours are operated every day[2], allowing a direct experience of matches from the players’ perspectives. By stepping on the grass field, walking through locker rooms used by the professional club FC Seoul, and entering a warming-up room built for players to train before every game, visitors can seize a rare opportunity to view the game from a different aspect.

   Although there are many opportunites to view soccer games as an audience are constantly provided, it is often difficult to feel what it is like to participate in a match in front of thousands of people. In this sense, the stadium tour is a perfect chance to widen the interest in the sport and make further headway in the popular culture. The historical significance of the stadium adds fascination to the activity as well. Since the Seoul World Cup Stadium serves as the main stadium for the Korean national team, the history of Korean soccer can also be felt within the tour. Displays of antique yet glorious trophies from competitions such as the Asian Cup, the Olympics, and the Asian Games alongside photographs capturing the evolution of the national team evoke immediate admiration. With a close-up of both the game and its history, the stadium tour provides a powerful cultural experience.

Address: Sungsan-dong 515-39, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Operating hours: 09:00-18:00

Over the Pitch: Fashion and soccer

   One crucial factor in the rise of soccer culture is its combination with fashion. The trending Blokecore style, a soccer-inspired fashion that mixes vintage uniforms with daily outfits to create a retro and sporty atmosphere, drew the attention of many individuals to sports. In this sense, Over the Pitch is the perfect venue for those interested in both fashion and soccer. Located between Sangsu and Hongdae, the two-story store offers a variety of authentic uniforms, from those of celebrated stars such as Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland to retro outfits from all around the world. Sensible displays of signed jerseys, mufflers, and posters on the modernistic interior create aesthetic entertainment for visitors. These artistic compositions blend with the trendy cafes and restaurants surrounding the area, naturally drawing the attention of those walking down the street. 

   The focus of “style” on soccer is what elevates Over the Pitch beyond a mere soccer store. The brand frequently releases collaborative uniforms with a wide range of clubs from Incheon United F.C. to Atlético de Madrid, transcending sportive designs into everyday fashion. Such reinterpretations are applied to the retro uniforms as well, repairing them to fit right into the trending Blokecore fashion. While exploring the store to discover such outfits is a worthwhile moment in this sense. The first floor of Over the Pitch is the highlight of the venue. A wide space designated for concept displays offers a seasonal “soccer exhibition,” with uniforms and related goods neatly tidied to provide a certain story for its visitors. Currently, the space is utilized for the star player Lee Kang-in, with his Paris Saint-Germain F.C. uniforms and posters arranged in a burst of purple and blue. Previous iterations celebrating clubs such as Ulsan Hyundai FC or the Korea’s national team also received public recongnition for their sensational displays. Such diverse concepts complemented with artistry offer a great motive to visit the store.

Address: Dokmak-ro 9 gil 29, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Operating hours: 13:00-20:00

[1] Yonhap News

[2] Seoul Facilities Management Corporation