Seoul World Cup Stadium, or Sangam Stadium as it’s also known, is Seoul’s second-biggest stadium. It’s not just a highlight for soccer lovers, because there are also many events and big-name concerts held here and there is also a big supermarket, a department store with a food court, and even a cinema.
Built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was held in conjunction with Japan, this modern stadium is a great example of modern design. The architect, Ryu Choon-soo, shaped the Seoul World Cup Stadium like a traditional Korean kite and if you fly over it you can see how he imagined it would represent the flight towards victory. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the South Korean team very nearly made it to the finals that year.
While the stadium can seat over 66,000 football fans at any one time, it’s hardly ever full these days, so getting tickets to see FC Seoul play should be easy. Watch the die-hard fans root for their team and cheer on the underdog, if you dare. If you get thirsty from all that shouting, pick up refreshments in an on-site café or convenience store.
Real soccer fans won’t want to miss a visit to the World Cup Museum, named Faentasium. Its virtual reality exhibits are a lot of fun.
Seoul World Cup Stadium is situated in Mapo, a “gu” (district) just to the west of the city center. It’s easy to get to by subway, with the World Cup Stadium being a station along line 6.
Outside of game and event days you can pay a small fee to tour the stadium by yourself. You’ll receive a little brochure and can pretty much go where you like after that. There is also a massive Cineplex, great for a movie on a rainy day.
To make a full day out of it, also visit one of the many theme parks surrounding the stadium. Or, have a picnic in one of the nearby public riverside parks, some with illuminated fountains that make this a very romantic option at night.
