The Popularity of Baseball in South Korea

Introduction to 'Hot Stove League'

'Hot Stove League' is a Korean baseball drama that focuses on improving team performance during the off-season, known as the 'stove league' in baseball terminology. The series gained popularity among both baseball enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with the sport. It is now available on Netflix, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of South Korean baseball.

Baseball in South Korea

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in South Korea. This article will provide an overview of the sport, how to enjoy baseball games, and the fan culture surrounding them.

What is Baseball?

Baseball is a sport played with a ball, glove, and bat. Two teams of 18 players compete against each other. Each team fields 9 defensive players:

• 1 pitcher
• 1 catcher
• 4 infielders
• 3 outfielders

The opposing team's 9 batters attempt to hit the ball. A game consists of 9 innings, with teams switching between offense and defense.

Global Popularity

Baseball is popular in South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The US Major League Baseball (MLB) is considered the highest level of professional baseball. In Japan, high school baseball (Koshien) is as popular as professional baseball.

Korean Baseball Organization (KBO)

The KBO manages the Korean baseball league, which consists of ten teams. Each team has a home stadium, resulting in a strong local fan base.

KBO Teams

1. Doosan Bears - Seoul, Jamsil Baseball Stadium
2. LG Twins - Seoul, Jamsil Baseball Stadium
3. Kiwoom Heroes - Seoul, Gocheok Sky Dome
4. SK Wyverns - Incheon, Incheon SK Happy Dream Park
5. KT Wiz - Suwon (Gyeonggi), Suwon KT Wiz Park
6. Hanwha Eagles - Daejeon, Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park
7. Kia Tigers - Gwangju, Gwangju-Kia Champions Field
8. Samsung Lions - Daegu, Daegu Samsung Lions Park
9. NC Dinos - Changwon (Gyeongnam), Changwon NC Park
10. Lotte Giants - Busan, Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium

KBO League Structure

Regular Season

• Starts in March and ends in late September
• Each team plays 144 matches
• Top five teams qualify for the postseason

Postseason

1. KBO Wild Card Game: 5th place vs. 4th place
2. KBO Semi-playoffs: Wild Card winner vs. 3rd place
3. KBO Playoffs: Semi-playoffs winner vs. 2nd place
4. KBO Korean Series: Playoffs winner vs. 1st place

In 2020, the NC Dinos won the championship in the Korean Series.

Watching Baseball Games in Korea

Schedule and Timing

• Games are scheduled weekly, except for Mondays
• Weekday games start at 18:30
• Weekend games start at 14:00 or 17:00
• Average game duration: 3 hours

Viewing Options

1. TV broadcasts
2. Online streaming applications
3. In-person at the stadium (recommended for the best experience)

Ticket Information

• Available on Interpark Ticket or TicketLink
• Check team websites for specific details
• Seating options:
• Infield seats (closer view, active cheering): KRW 10,000-30,000
• Outfield seats: Below KRW 10,000
• Pricing varies by stadium

To be continued with information on fan culture and cheering traditions during baseball games in Korea.