South Korea is a country of contradictions. It is modern yet traditional at the same time. The Asian country has a perfect balance between the old and the new. There is something for everyone in South Korea. Ever since K-Pop took the world by a storm, people cannot seem to stop talking about the Asian nation. There is a lot to know about the country besides its conflict with North Korea. It is the perfect example of a country that has risen from the ashes. Within just a few decades, South Korea has become a global power. It is a force to be reckoned with.
One of the things that people are curious about is what sports are popular in South Korea. If you are new to the country or just want to know more about it, you have come to the right place. This post looks at the most popular sports in South Korea. You will be surprised to know what sports South Koreans like to play. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start the list.
- Football
Football is the national sport of South Korea. Not many people know just how obsessed South Koreans are about the sport until they pay a visit to this beautiful country. People love to bet on their favourite teams. Hence, they like to bet on their teams by using platforms such as toto-forum.com. If you meet a South Korean, you are bound to end up talking about football with them. They are very passionate about the game and have no issue updating you about the latest match. Whether you are an Arsenal fan or a Real Madrid fan, you can discuss about the English Premier League and the La Liga with them. Football is the lifeblood of South Koreans. They do not miss a single match. South Korea has its own football team which participated in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup back in 2002. Japan and South Korea had co-hosted the World Cup.
- Basketball
Another sport that South Koreans can be found playing in their free time is basketball. The sport became popular in the 1990s and has continued to remain at the top. Professional basketball teams compete in championships all the time. The South Korean National Basketball Team has competed at the Asian Basketball Championship and has managed to win around 25 medals. A popular Korean NBA player that you might have heard of is Ha Seung Jin who had played NBA in 2004. However, the sport is not as popular as it used to be back in the day as it has experienced a decline in popular since the 2000s and football has taken the top place.
- Baseball
Baseball and South Korea are two things that one would not consider going together in the same sentence. However, baseball is one of the most popular sports in the country. It was introduced to the national in 1905 by a group of American missionaries who continue to have a strong following to this day. The Korean Professional Baseball league was established back in 1982. You might not know but Korea has even won a gold medal for baseball at the Summer Olympics. Thus, it should be clear just how popular the sport is in the country. South Korea also participates in the World Baseball Classic. It is known for being one of the best countries when it comes to baseball international competitions. Some Korean players have even played for Major League Baseball.
- Volleyball
South Koreans are introduced to volleyball from an early age. They play the sport at school. The V-League is a professional league that has outstanding men’s and women’s teams. Volleyball is a favourite among the youth. They love to play it whenever they get the opportunity. Despite the fact that students are encouraged to study very hard to succeed in school and university, they can be found playing volleyball in their free time. The love for a sport tells a lot about a nation. Volleyball is a sport that just about everyone in the country knows how to play. If you are in the mood to play volleyball, you should have no trouble finding someone who shares similar interests. There are plenty of volleyball clubs as well that you can join to pursue your passion for the sport.
- Archery
You might know this but South Korea dominates international archery competitions. It has won the most medals in archery at the Olympics as well as other international competitions. Since South Koreans are known for their focus and precision, it makes sense that they would be good at archery. Citizens are encouraged to try the sport for a chance to showcase their talent at the Olympics or any other major competition. The sport is watched by the masses.
- Korean Martial Arts
Korean martial arts or taekwondo is also very popular in the country. Students lean martial arts in school and they choose to undergo training at an early age. This makes them very good at the sport. South Korea holds one of the most medals in martial arts despite being a tiny country. It is the perfect place to watch live martial arts competitions. They are just as popular as other sport competitions.
- Badminton
Although badminton is not as popular in South Korea as it is in China, it is still played by a huge percentage of the population. South Koreans find the sport to be easy and play it in their free time. Besides, it is very easy to play badminton as there is no need for a football field or court. Badminton is a sport that families can be found playing during the holidays or the weekend.
Conclusion
South Korea is a country where every sport is cherished. Whether you are a football lover or a badminton lover, you will have a great time in the country. All sports broadcasters showcase the sports mentioned above on their live broadcasts.