Baseball in Korea: A Complete Guide

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 22 April 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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Baseball in Korea

• Top Korean Baseball Teams
• Famous Korean Baseball Players
• Korea’s Baseball Origins
• Fiercest KBO Rivalries
• Korea’s Iconic Baseball Stadiums
• The Future of Korean Baseball

Baseball has become an important part of South Korean culture, captivating the nation with its thrilling gameplay, passionate fans, and talented players. The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) has grown incredibly quickly, and today, Korean baseball stadiums can be found up and down the country. Today’s blog looks at baseball in Korea – showing you all you need to know about the country’s fastest-growing sport!

Top Korean Baseball Teams

The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) is home to ten Korean baseball teams, each with their own unique history, achievements, and loyal fan base. Among the most successful and popular teams are the Kia Tigers, Samsung Lions, and Doosan Bears. The Kia Tigers, based in Gwangju, have won a record 11 championships since the league’s establishment in 1982.

They are known for their strong pitching staff and consistent performance over the years. The Samsung Lions, originating from Daegu, have claimed eight titles and have a reputation for producing top talent. The Doosan Bears, representing Seoul, have been a dominant force in recent years, winning the championship in 2015, 2016, and 2019.

Other notable Korean baseball teams include the LG Twins, another Seoul-based team with a passionate fan base, and the NC Dinos, a relatively new team that has quickly risen to prominence. Don’t forget, if you want to bet on Korean baseball, you’ll find plenty of sportsbook recommendations right here on our site!

Famous Korean Baseball Players

If you’re curious about famous Korean baseball players, you may be surprised to know the country has produced a surprisingly large number!

One of the most well-known Korean players is Choo Shin-soo, an outfielder who had a successful career in Major League Baseball, playing for teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers. Another notable player is Park Byung-ho, a powerful first baseman who spent time with the Minnesota Twins in MLB before returning to the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes.

Kim Hyun-soo, an outfielder for the LG Twins, is a two-time KBO MVP and has represented South Korea in international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic and the Asian Games. Ryu Hyun-jin, a left-handed pitcher, has found success both in the KBO and MLB. He played for the Hanwha Eagles before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became an All-Star and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2019.

Other notable Korean players include Lee Dae-ho, a powerful first baseman who had stints with the Lotte Giants and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before playing for the Seattle Mariners in MLB, and Yang Hyeon-jong, a left-handed pitcher who has been a dominant force in the KBO with the Kia Tigers, winning multiple MVP awards and leading the league in various pitching categories.

Korea’s Baseball Origins

The origins of baseball in South Korea can be traced back to the late 19th century, when American missionaries first introduced the sport to the country. During the Japanese colonial period baseball continued to grow in popularity, with many schools and universities forming their own teams. Some Korean players even went on to play in the Japanese professional leagues.

After the Korean War, baseball once again grew in popularity. In 1982, the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) was officially established with six teams: the Haitai Tigers (now Kia Tigers), Lotte Giants, MBC Blue Dragons (now NC Dinos), OB Bears (now Doosan Bears), Sammi Superstars (now defunct), and Samsung Lions.

In addition to the professional league, baseball has also become a major part of the educational system in South Korea. Many schools and universities have their own teams, and the sport is often used as a way of keeping youngsters fit – and instilling discipline into them!

Fiercest KBO Rivalries

One of the most exciting aspects of Korean baseball is the intense rivalries between teams. These rivalries add an extra layer of drama and passion to the games, as fans and players alike invest themselves emotionally in the outcomes. Two of the most notable rivalries in the KBO are the Kia Tigers vs. Samsung Lions and the Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins.

The rivalry between the Kia Tigers and the Samsung Lions is often referred to as the “Honam Derby,” as both teams are based in the Honam region of South Korea. The Tigers, who play in Gwangju, and the Lions, who play in Daegu, have a long history of competitive matches, and have combined to win 19 of the 38 KBO championships.

One of the most memorable moments in the Honam Derby occurred in the 2009 Korean Series, when the Kia Tigers defeated the Samsung Lions in a nail-biting seven-game series. The Tigers, led by iconic pitcher Sun Dong-yol, won the title with a 6-5 victory in Game 7, sparking wild celebrations among their fans. The rivalry between these two teams continues to be one of the most anticipated matchups in the KBO, and every game the two teams play always draws a huge crowd.

Another famous Korean baseball rivalry is between the Doosan Bears and LG Twins, both of whom are based in Seoul. This rivalry is often referred to as the “Jamsil Derby,” named after the stadium that the two teams share. The close proximity of the teams and their shared home field adds an extra level of intensity to their matchups, as fans of both sides often find themselves sitting side-by-side in the stands.

One of the most iconic moments in the Jamsil Derby took place in the 2015 KBO playoffs. The Bears and Twins faced off in a best-of-five series, with the Bears winning the first two games. However, the Twins mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the next three games to take the series 3-2. The final game was a nail-biter, with the Twins prevailing 1-0 in a pitchers’ duel. The series showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, as well as the passion and intensity of their fans.

In addition to these two rivalries, there are several other notable matchups in the KBO that generate excitement and passion among fans. The NC Dinos and Lotte Giants, both based in Busan, also have a fierce rivalry, as they both battle it out to be crowned champion in the south of the country. Another is between the KT Wiz and SSG Landers, who play in Suwon and Incheon respectively, making them very close geographically.

Korea’s Iconic Baseball Stadiums

Korea’s baseball stadiums are some of the most technologically advanced in the world, and, for many Koreans, they’re much more than just sporting venues. They represent Korean culture, and each stadium has its own unique character and charm, reflecting the diverse regional identities and traditions of the teams that call them home.

One of the most iconic baseball stadiums in Korea is the Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Built in 1982, this stadium is home to two KBO teams – the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins.

With a seating capacity of over 25,000, Jamsil Stadium has been the site of countless memorable moments in Korean baseball history, including several Korean Series championships. The stadium’s design is characterized by its distinctive blue seats and its open-air layout, which allows fans to enjoy the game under the warm Korean sun.

Another notable feature of Jamsil Stadium is the “Jamsil Derby,” the fierce rivalry between the Bears and the Twins we just mentioned. When these two teams face off, the atmosphere in the stadium is incredible, and it’s said that you can hear the roars of the crowd from miles away! The stadium has also hosted several international events, including the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2015 Premier12 tournament.

The Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, home to the Kia Tigers, is another iconic baseball stadium in Korea. Built in 2014, this state-of-the-art facility features a unique design that incorporates traditional Korean architectural elements, such as the use of curved lines and natural materials like wood and stone.

The stadium’s exterior is lined with a series of colorful murals that depict the history and culture of the Gwangju region. On the inside, spectators are met by state-of-the-art amenities, including comfortable seating, high-quality sound systems, and advanced video screens.

One of the most unique features of the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field is the Tigers Zone, a special seating section for the team’s most passionate fans. This section is known for its insanely loud and volatile atmosphere, and you’ll always see fans dressed in the team’s iconic yellow and black colors, waving flags, and chanting throughout the game.

In addition to the Tigers Zone, the stadium also features a range of dining and entertainment options, including restaurants, cafes, and a baseball museum that showcases the history of the sport in Korea.

Other notable baseball stadiums in Korea include the Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, home to the Lotte Giants, and the Daegu Samsung Lions Park, home to the Samsung Lions.

The Sajik Baseball Stadium, built in 1985, is known for its scenic location overlooking the sea and its passionate fan base, who create a lively atmosphere with their chants and cheers. The Daegu Samsung Lions Park, built in 2016, is a modern facility that features a retractable roof, allowing games to be played in all weather conditions.

Here is a table comparing the seating capacity and year of opening for the two most iconic Korean baseball stadiums:

The Future of Korean Baseball

As baseball in Korea continues to gain popularity both domestically and internationally, the future of the sport looks bright. The KBO has made significant efforts in recent years to improve the quality of play, attract new, internationally recognized talent, and expand its global reach.

These efforts have now started to pay off, with the league now being recognized as one of the premier professional baseball leagues in the world. It’s now becoming more common to see Korean players moving to the MLB, and this is something many pundits and baseball experts expect to continue.

It’s also worth pointing out that a key factor driving the growth of Korean baseball is the increasing level of talent in the league. In recent years, the KBO has seen an influx of skilled players from overseas, particularly from the United States. So, not only is Korea exporting players to the US – they’re also receiving players, too.

This has helped to dramatically raise the overall standard of play, pushing Korean players to improve their skills and adapt to new strategies and techniques.

At the same time, the KBO has also been investing heavily in the development of local talent. The league has established a robust system of youth and amateur baseball programs, designed to identify and nurture promising young players from an early age.

These programs provide young athletes with the resources, coaching, and opportunities they need to develop their skills and pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball. It’s now common to see baseball taught at schools, and while the sport has a way to go to reach soccer’s popularity levels, it’s catching up quickly!