Buying Tickets and Football Guide in Korea (Updated for 2026)

In Korea, as in many other parts of the world, buying football tickets online is becoming an increasingly stressful experience. Apps often don’t accept foreign phone numbers, and international payments are not always possible. However, this is unlikely to keep you out of a match. We’re here to help.

In January 2025, I went to Istanbul to see Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Fenerbahçe across three Europa League nights—truly the football trip of a lifetime in one of the world’s greatest cities. Anyone familiar with securing tickets for Turkish clubs will confirm just how frustrating (and expensive) the process can be. I still have nightmares about my Passolig account.

The new season is just around the corner.

Fortunately, it isn’t quite as arduous in Korea. That said, for international football fans hoping to experience Korea’s vibrant matchday atmosphere, securing a ticket before arriving in the country is virtually impossible. All is not lost, though—and once again, we’re here to help.

And now that the K League 1 and 2 fixtures are out, the planning starts here.

[READ: 2026 K League 1 fixtures unveiled: key takeaways]

[READ: 2026 K League 2 fixtures released]

Online Ticketing Platforms

The two primary ticket providers in Korea are NOL Interpark and Ticketlink. To purchase tickets in advance, customers must have login details for the relevant application and, crucially, possess a Korean mobile phone number. A firm understanding of the Korean language is also helpful, as is the ability to complete payment using locally issued security certificates.

In other words, unless you have a Korean phone number, acquiring tickets online in advance is effectively impossible.

Below is a breakdown of K League clubs by ticketing platform—for those capable of navigating the apps.

Ticketlink logo.

Ticketlink

K League 1

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Gimcheon Sangmu

Pohang Steelers

FC Seoul

Gwangju FC

FC Anyang

Jeju SK

[READ: Introducing Gimhae, Paju, and Yongin: K League's new clubs]

K League 2

Seoul E-Land

Busan IPark

Gimpo FC

Gyeongnam FC

Yongin FC

NOL Interpark logo.

NOL Interpark

K League 1

Gangwon FC

Bucheon FC 1995

K League 2

Suwon Bluewings

Suwon FC

Seongnam FC

Jeonnam Dragons

Chungnam Asan

Hwaseong FC

Chungbuk Cheongju

Cheonan City FC

Ansan Greeners

Extra

Daejeon Hana Citizen and Incheon United sell tickets through their official club websites. Interestingly, Incheon United sells away fan tickets via Interpark.

Buying Tickets at the Stadium

A ticket booth will be outside every ground in Korea, including this one, at Busan's Gudeok Stadium.

The good news is that all 29 clubs across K League 1 and K League 2 sell tickets at official booths outside their stadiums. These booths are clearly marked with English signage, so locating them won’t be a problem.

A small processing fee—usually around ₩2,000—is added to the ticket price. In addition to a price list, each booth displays a seating map on the window, allowing you to choose your preferred section. While staff may occasionally speak English, this should not be relied upon.

Even as a tourist, you will not be asked to provide identification. The process is as simple as pointing to a section on the map and handing over a card for payment. Don’t be surprised if cash is not accepted, or if smartwatch payments are unavailable.

[READ: K League adds three new stadiums for the 'hopper]

To further put your mind at ease, K League matches very rarely sell out. Daegu iM Bank Park has traditionally been one of the more difficult venues for securing tickets due to its modest capacity of 12,419, but as of 2026, Daegu FC compete in K League 2. Matches involving Suwon Samsung Bluewings can sell out in advance, but otherwise, securing a seat is rarely an issue.

Elsewhere, Incheon United and Pohang Steelers play in football-specific stadiums with smaller capacities, meaning sell-outs are possible—but still uncommon.

Segregation and Matchday Etiquette

Home fan sections for home fans only, including temporary stands like this in Anyang.

Segregation does exist at football matches in Korea, but the risk of violence or inflammatory chanting is extremely low—almost unheard of. That said, home clubs do not allow supporters wearing opposition merchandise to sit in home sections, nor do they permit home team apparel in the away end.

Be mindful of what you’re wearing—not out of fear for your safety, but because you may be denied entry or asked to leave your section. I have personally witnessed security ejecting fans for sitting in the wrong area.

Alcohol consumption is permitted in all stadiums and at your seat. Some clubs require the contents of cans to be poured into paper cups before spectators return to their seats.

Additional Tips for First-Time Football Tourists in Korea

Buy a Bluewings umbrella if you want to take part in this.

To further enhance your experience, consider the following:

Arrive early: Korean stadiums often have pre-match activities, food stalls, and merchandise booths worth exploring.

Try the stadium food: Fried chicken, tteokbokki, squid, and beer are staples—and often better than expected.

Learn a chant or two: Home supporters are welcoming, and even minimal participation goes a long way.

Sit neutral if unsure: If you don’t have team gear, choose a main stand or neutral section to avoid any issues.

Public transport is best: Stadiums are well connected by subway and buses; parking can be limited.

Respect the family atmosphere: K League matches are very family-friendly, with children and elderly fans common in the stands.

Merch can be bought on matchday: Club shops are typically open before kickoff, even if you didn’t plan ahead.