This season the K League was joined by a new side and the 2nd side based in the capital Seoul. Seoul E-Land FC were official founded last year and have built up a good amount of interest and hype during that time. Being a brand new side they didn’t have any existing fan base or history, and therefore it’s very impressive how quickly they’ve grown and that maybe partly down to the large amount of investment put in both on and off the field. They play in the K League Challenge, which is the 2nd tier of football (soccer) here in South Korea. With limited investment and support at this level it won’t take a lot to gain promotion but it’s of course a risk.
They’re playing at the Seoul Olympic Stadium, the main stadium for the 1988 Summer Olympics. However they’re not using the main stands instead they’ve constructed temporary stands, as well as corporate boxes.
Here is a simple break down of our thoughts and feelings relating to watching a Seoul E-Land Game at the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park):
Tickets: Prices at ₩12,000 for adults are a little high when compared to other K League Challenge sides, and more similar to Classic clubs. However if you compare them to the English Premier League, Championship or even League One / Two they’re great value.
Food: There were a few food tracks located just before the main stand, honestly they were a little over priced but the queues were long which tells it’s own story. ₩4000 for a Korean version of a corn dog, which was nice but expensive.
Drinks: They were checking bags at the entrance for cans and glass bottles, so outside alcohol is only possible here but only in plastic bottles and during the summer months they won’t stay cool long. The only option to buy beer inside of the stadium (when we went) was the Mmac Itaewon stall which was selling craft beers for ₩5000, which isn’t bad but a cheap local beer would have been nice.
Stadium / Other Facilities: The seating is nice even if it’s a temporary stand, and the allocated seating is rare in the K League but it nice to know you have a nice seat. There are a few photo spots which is nice for the selfie crowd. On the negative side the bathrooms are in the main stadium and therefore a fair journey away.
Atmosphere: Before kick off the MC did a good job of trying to work up the crowd, however once the game started it died down a little. The Seoul goal saw a snowstorm of white confetti, maybe a little overkill but definitely fun.
Overall: A very nice stadium, great location and well organized. The quality on and off the field is great, but you have to pay for it. It’s a fun day out and a club which shows great promise.
Also these thoughts based on one of there early games (April 4th 2015) and therefore you’d hope that some of the issues will disappear with time.
Pictures from the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park)
Firstly here are a few pictures from outside of the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park) home of Seoul E-Land FC:
Secondly here are a few pictures from inside of the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park) home of Seoul E-Land FC, before kick off:
Pictures of Seoul E-Land FC vs. Daegu (K League Challenge 2015)
Finally a few pictures from during the game between Seoul E-Land FC and Daegu, on
Links for Seoul E-Land FC and Directions to the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park)
Here are links for Seoul E-Land FC:
Seoul E-Land FC Soccerway Page (Fixtures & Results)
Directions to the Seoul Olympic Stadium (Leoul Park) home of Seoul E-Land FC:
The easiest way to get to the stadium is via subway, the Sports Complex Station is served by both Seoul Subway Lines 2 & 9 (Green and Brown lines).
Also for reference here is a Google Map Link:
Finally
As always if you have any questions about Seoul E-Land FC, Seoul Olympic Stadium, the K League or just Sport in South Korea in general please feel free to let us know. Either below, by Email or via Twitter or Facebook.
Tim & Jeonghye
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 