Seongnam vs. FC Seoul

Awhile back now, myself and friends had the great chance to take in a K-League game right here in Bundang. If you’re not aware, the K-League is Korea’s professional soccer league – similar to what Japan has – aptly titled the J-League. There are 14 teams in the league but nothing really below it – so there’s no promotion or relegation like the English system.

Anyway, my beloved Bundang (where I live in Korea) has a team in the league – Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma F.C. That’s a bit of mouthful…so for the most part they’re called Seongnam. I think the Ilhwa Chunma roughly translates as ‘fire horse’. The stadium is just two subway stops away from my place – which is lovely. I have been to one game before (as I mentioned in another post) but this was just as fun of an occasion.








The game didn’t start until 7:00 so it gave plenty of time for us (Brandon, Phil, Nathan, Lydia, Lucas, Blair and HJ) to get settled. Last time, we had to wait for over 30 minutes just to buy a ticket but the lineups weren’t nearly as bad this time. Seongnam are a good team. Currently, they’re in second place, behind Suwon…which is also geographically close to Bundang. Their opponent in this match was FC Seoul – and they’re not bad either – currently in fourth spot.






Considering this then, we were in for a good game. By and large, the match lived up to my expectations…although it did get a bit bogged down in the middle. The real drama came nearer the end of the game. FC Seoul scored around the 70th minute and the away fans went nuts – flares and all. However, the game wasn’t done yet – as Seongnam managed a late equalizer in the dying seconds of injury time. To be fair, it was a bit of a scramble but that didn’t stop me and Blair jumping out of our seats and cheering fanatically!




Nathan and Lydia had decided to cheer for FC Seoul because they actually reside there. We all cheered for Seongnam. So, I think we left with a fair result. Although I would say that Seongnam were outplayed. I had a great time again at any rate. I always love watching live soccer. Hopefully I’ll get another chance soon.



-Paul