If you’re a baseball fan visiting South Korea, going to a KBO game should be near the top of your list.
Korean baseball is very different from watching an MLB game in the United States. The baseball itself is familiar, but the atmosphere is completely different. You’ll see organized chants, nonstop singing, cheerleaders, drums, mascots, huge amounts of food and plenty of beer.
As an American and longtime Atlanta Braves fan, I’ve been to multiple KBO games in Korea, including games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Suwon KT Wiz Park, and Gocheok Sky Dome. The LG Twins are my team, but I’ve also watched the KT Wiz and Kiwoom Heroes in person.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Korean baseball, including the KBO teams, season dates, stadiums, tickets, food, beer, cheering culture, foreign players, playoffs and what to expect at your first game.
Jump to a Section
- What Is the KBO?
- When Is the KBO Season?
- The 10 KBO Baseball Teams
- What Is a KBO Baseball Game Actually Like?
- KBO Cheering Culture
- Can You Bring Food and Beer Into KBO Stadiums?
- What Food Can You Get at Jamsil Baseball Stadium?
- How Much Does a KBO Game Cost?
- How to Buy KBO Tickets as a Foreigner
- Do You Need Klook to Watch Korean Baseball?
- How Early Should You Arrive at a KBO Game?
- How Do Foreign Players Work in the KBO?
- KBO Playoffs Explained
- Jamsil Baseball Stadium Is Changing
- KBO vs. MLB: What’s Different?
- From the Atlanta Braves to Korean Baseball
- My Experience Watching Korean Baseball
- Tips for Your First KBO Game
- Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Baseball
TL;DR
- South Korea’s professional baseball league is called the KBO League.
- There are 10 KBO teams across South Korea.
- Seoul has three teams: the LG Twins, Doosan Bears and Kiwoom Heroes.
- LG and Doosan share Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
- The regular season generally runs from late March through September, with the postseason taking place in October.
- Each team plays 144 regular-season games.
- KBO games are known for organized chants, songs, cheerleaders, drums and an incredibly energetic atmosphere.
- Beer and food are a huge part of the experience, and outside food and drinks are commonly brought into stadiums, although specific rules can vary.
- You don’t necessarily need an expensive tour or Klook package to attend a game.
- Depending on the game, you can often purchase tickets directly from the stadium if tickets are still available.
- Popular games can sell out, particularly involving popular teams such as the LG Twins.
- The postseason ends with the Korean Series, which determines the KBO champion.
- Jamsil Baseball Stadium is entering a major transition as Seoul prepares for its redevelopment.
What Is the KBO?
The KBO League is South Korea’s professional baseball league.
The league was established in 1982 and has grown into one of the most popular professional sports leagues in Korea.
There are currently 10 teams in the KBO, representing cities and regions across the country.
If you’re familiar with Major League Baseball, the basic concept is obviously similar. Teams play a long regular season before the top teams advance to the postseason.
But the experience of actually attending a KBO game is very different from going to an MLB game.
The biggest difference is the atmosphere.
KBO fans don’t just sit in their seats and watch the game. Entire sections of the stadium participate in organized chants and songs throughout the game. Cheerleaders lead the crowd, drums keep the energy going and fans often have specific chants for individual players.
And then there’s the food.
Korean baseball stadiums are filled with fried chicken, tteokbokki, pizza, snacks, beer and plenty of other things you can eat while watching the game.
For many fans, the social experience is just as important as the baseball itself.
When Is the KBO Season?
The KBO regular season generally runs from late March through September, making spring through early fall a great time to catch a baseball game in Korea.
Each KBO team plays 144 regular-season games, so there are plenty of opportunities to see a game if you’re staying in Korea for a few weeks.
The exact opening day and schedule can change from year to year, so check the official KBO schedule when planning your trip.
After the regular season finishes, the top teams advance to the KBO postseason. The postseason takes place in the fall and eventually leads to the Korean Series, which determines the KBO champion.
If you’re visiting Korea specifically to see baseball, I recommend checking the schedule before booking your trip. Games are played throughout the week, so you can often fit a game into a Seoul, Busan, Daegu or other city itinerary without having to plan your entire trip around baseball.
The 10 KBO Baseball Teams
There are currently 10 teams in the KBO League.
| Team | City | Home Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| LG Twins | Seoul | Jamsil Baseball Stadium |
| Doosan Bears | Seoul | Jamsil Baseball Stadium |
| Kiwoom Heroes | Seoul | Gocheok Sky Dome |
| SSG Landers | Incheon | Incheon SSG Landers Field |
| KT Wiz | Suwon | Suwon KT Wiz Park |
| Hanwha Eagles | Daejeon | Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium |
| Samsung Lions | Daegu | Daegu Samsung Lions Park |
| Lotte Giants | Busan | Sajik Baseball Stadium |
| KIA Tigers | Gwangju | Gwangju-Kia Champions Field |
| NC Dinos | Changwon | Changwon NC Park |
LG Twins
The LG Twins are one of Seoul’s most popular baseball teams and share Jamsil Baseball Stadium with the Doosan Bears.
If you’re staying in Seoul and want to experience a KBO game, an LG game is one of the easiest options.
The atmosphere can be particularly energetic, although popular games can also be difficult to get tickets for.
Doosan Bears
The Doosan Bears are the other team that calls Jamsil Baseball Stadium home.
Because LG and Doosan share the stadium, Jamsil can feel completely different depending on which team is playing.
Kiwoom Heroes
The Kiwoom Heroes play at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Gocheok is an indoor stadium, making it a good option if you’re worried about rain or extreme weather.
SSG Landers
The SSG Landers are based in Incheon, west of Seoul.
Their home stadium is located relatively close to Incheon Airport, making an SSG game an interesting option if you’re spending time in the Incheon area.
KT Wiz
The KT Wiz play in Suwon, which is easily accessible from Seoul by public transportation.
Their home stadium is known for its modern facilities and lively atmosphere.
Hanwha Eagles
The Hanwha Eagles are based in Daejeon.
The team has a particularly passionate fanbase, making a Hanwha game a great way to experience Korean baseball outside Seoul.
Samsung Lions
The Samsung Lions play at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu.
Daegu is one of Korea’s major cities and is easily worth visiting if you’re interested in experiencing a different side of Korean baseball.
Lotte Giants
The Lotte Giants are based in Busan and play at Sajik Baseball Stadium.
Lotte has one of the most passionate fanbases in Korean baseball, and going to a Giants game is one of the best ways to experience Busan’s sports culture.
If you’re spending a few days in Busan, check out my Busan travel guide for more things to do around the city.
KIA Tigers
The KIA Tigers play in Gwangju at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.
KIA has one of the strongest histories in Korean baseball and has won more Korean Series championships than any other KBO team.
NC Dinos
The NC Dinos play in Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province.
Their home stadium, Changwon NC Park, is one of the newer stadiums in the league.
What Is a KBO Baseball Game Actually Like?
This is probably the biggest question for first-time visitors.
A KBO game feels less like sitting down to quietly watch baseball and more like going to a giant party that happens to have a baseball game happening in the middle of it.
The fans are constantly involved.
You’ll hear chants for individual players, team songs and coordinated cheering throughout the game. Cheerleaders stand in front of the fans and lead the crowd, while drummers help keep everyone in rhythm.
Even if you don’t understand Korean, you can quickly figure out what is happening.
The crowd will react to big moments together, and before long you’ll probably find yourself joining in.
And unlike some American sporting events where food and drinks can be extremely expensive, going out for food and beer is an important part of the Korean baseball experience.
KBO Cheering Culture
One of the coolest things about Korean baseball is the organized cheering.
Most KBO teams have their own songs and chants. Fans learn the chants and participate throughout the game.
Cheerleaders are also a major part of the experience.
They lead the crowd from designated cheering sections, often standing on platforms near the field.
Drummers and other performers help keep the energy going.
The result is an atmosphere that feels much more coordinated than what you’ll typically see at an MLB game.
If you’ve never been to a KBO game before, don’t worry about knowing the chants.
Just watch the people around you and join in when you figure out what’s happening.
Can You Bring Food and Beer Into KBO Stadiums?
One of the best things about going to baseball in Korea is that you don’t have to rely entirely on stadium food.
It’s common for fans to bring food and drinks with them, including beer, although specific rules can vary between stadiums.
You’ll often see people arriving with bags full of fried chicken, convenience-store snacks, drinks and other food.
You can also purchase plenty of food and drinks inside the stadium.
Beer is a particularly important part of the experience.
If you’re used to American sporting events where you pay a premium for a small beer, Korean baseball can feel refreshingly casual.
Just make sure you check the rules for the specific stadium you’re visiting, especially regarding alcohol containers, glass bottles and other restricted items.
What Food Can You Get at Jamsil Baseball Stadium?
If you’re going to a game at Jamsil, come hungry.
You’ll find plenty of classic Korean baseball food inside and around the stadium.
Some of the things you can expect to find include:
- Fried chicken
- Korean fried chicken
- Tteokbokki
- Pizza
- Hot dogs
- French fries
- Various Korean snacks
- Beer
- Soft drinks
- Convenience-store style snacks
There are also plenty of restaurants and convenience stores around the Jamsil area if you want to grab food before entering the stadium.
How Much Does a KBO Game Cost?
One of the reasons I recommend KBO baseball to travelers is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time.
Ticket prices vary depending on the team, stadium and seating section, but KBO games are generally much more affordable than attending many MLB games in the United States.
Premium seats obviously cost more, while general seating can be relatively inexpensive.
You also don’t need to buy an expensive tourist package just to experience Korean baseball.
If you’re flexible about where you sit and which game you attend, you can have a great KBO experience without spending much money.
How to Buy KBO Tickets as a Foreigner
Buying KBO tickets can be a little confusing for foreigners because many Korean ticketing systems are designed primarily for people with a Korean phone number.
If you’re visiting Korea without a Korean phone number, don’t assume you’ll be able to buy tickets online through the normal Korean ticketing system. Some ticket platforms require Korean identity verification or a Korean phone number during the purchasing process.
Can Foreigners Buy KBO Tickets at the Stadium?
Yes. If you’re having trouble purchasing tickets online, going directly to the stadium box office can be a good option.
For Jamsil Baseball Stadium, foreigners can purchase tickets at the box office by showing their passport. If you’re planning to do this, I’d recommend arriving earlier than you would if you already had a ticket because you may need extra time to complete the purchase.
When you get to the box office, let the staff know that you’re a foreigner and need to purchase a ticket with your passport.
I’ve personally found going directly to Jamsil to be a straightforward way to attend a game, particularly if you aren’t picky about your exact seating section.
However, availability is the big catch.
Popular LG Twins and Doosan Bears games can sell out, especially on weekends or during important parts of the season. If there’s a specific game you absolutely want to attend, don’t wait until game day if you have another reliable way to secure a ticket.
The exact ticketing process can also vary between stadiums and teams, so if you’re planning to buy at the box office, check the stadium’s current ticketing information before you go.
What Should Foreigners Bring to the Box Office?
If you’re purchasing a ticket at the stadium as a foreign visitor, bring your passport.
I’d also recommend arriving with enough time before first pitch to deal with the ticket purchase, find your entrance and get settled.
For Jamsil in particular, don’t treat the box office like a last-minute stop if you’re attending a popular game. Getting there earlier gives you a better chance of finding available seats and leaves time to deal with any communication or ticketing issues.
If you’re visiting Korea without a Korean phone number, buying at the stadium can be much simpler than trying to navigate a Korean online ticketing system that requires local phone verification.
How Early Should You Arrive at a KBO Game?
If you already have your tickets, arriving around 30 to 60 minutes before first pitch should give you plenty of time to find your entrance, grab food and drinks and get settled.
However, if you’re a foreigner planning to purchase tickets at the stadium box office, arrive earlier.
I’d recommend getting to the stadium at least 1–2 hours before first pitch if you need to buy your tickets. This gives you time to find the box office, show your passport, purchase your tickets and deal with any potential lines or communication issues before the game starts.
This is particularly important for popular games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, where tickets can sell quickly.
If you already have your tickets, you can arrive closer to game time. But if you’re relying on the box office, don’t wait until 30 minutes before first pitch.
Once you have your ticket, you can:
- Find your entrance
- Find your seats
- Grab food and drinks
- Look around the stadium
- Get familiar with the cheering section
- Enjoy the atmosphere before the first pitch
Naver Map is also extremely useful for finding the correct stadium entrance, nearby restaurants and public transportation. If you’re visiting Korea for the first time, check out my Naver Map guide before you go.
How Do Foreign Players Work in the KBO?
The KBO has rules limiting the number of foreign players that teams can use.
The system has changed over time, so older articles about the KBO can be misleading.
In 2026, the KBO introduced an Asia quota, allowing teams to add an eligible player from designated Asian countries or Australia in addition to the existing foreign-player structure.
The foreign-player system is one of the more interesting differences between the KBO and MLB because teams have a limited number of international roster spots rather than simply signing as many foreign players as they want.
If you’re following the league closely, it’s worth checking the current KBO rules because these regulations can change between seasons.
KBO Playoffs Explained
The KBO regular season is followed by the postseason.
Unlike MLB, not every team simply enters a traditional playoff bracket.
The final standings determine which teams qualify and where they enter the postseason.
The postseason eventually leads to the Korean Series, which determines the KBO champion.
The exact postseason format can change, so check the current season’s KBO rules when planning a trip around the playoffs.
For a baseball fan visiting Korea in October, the postseason can be an especially exciting time to experience the league.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium Is Changing
If you’ve spent any time researching baseball in Seoul, you’ll probably come across Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
Jamsil has been home to both the LG Twins and Doosan Bears for decades and is one of the most recognizable baseball stadiums in Korea.
But its future is changing.
Seoul is planning a major redevelopment of the Jamsil area, and the LG Twins and Doosan Bears are expected to temporarily move from the existing baseball stadium while redevelopment takes place.
The teams are expected to play at Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium beginning in 2027 during the redevelopment period.
That makes 2026 an interesting time to visit Jamsil and experience the current stadium before its next chapter begins.
KBO vs. MLB: What’s Different?
If you’re an American baseball fan, you might be wondering how Korean baseball compares with MLB.
The biggest difference is the fan experience.
KBO
- Organized chants
- Team songs
- Cheerleaders
- Drummers
- Very active crowds
- Fans frequently stand and participate
- Food and beer are a major part of the experience
- Smaller stadiums create a more intimate atmosphere
MLB
- More focus on the baseball itself
- Less coordinated crowd participation
- Cheerleaders are generally not part of the game experience
- Crowd chants are usually less organized
- Stadium food and drinks tend to be more expensive
- Larger stadiums and bigger production
Neither experience needs to replace the other.
If you’re a baseball fan, experiencing both is a great way to see how differently the same sport can be presented.
From the Atlanta Braves to Korean Baseball
As a massive Atlanta Braves fan, I’ve always loved baseball, so moving to Korea gave me the opportunity to experience a completely different baseball culture.
These days, the LG Twins are my KBO team, but I’ve also enjoyed going to games for the KT Wiz in Suwon and the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome.
One of the things that makes following Korean baseball especially fun for American fans is seeing players move between the KBO and MLB.
Ha-Seong Kim is a great example.
Kim established himself as one of the most recognizable Korean players in Major League Baseball, and as a Braves fan, following his career with Atlanta has given me another reason to pay attention to Korean baseball.
Even if you’re primarily an MLB fan, learning about the KBO gives you a better appreciation for the baseball culture that many Korean players come from.
My Experience Watching Korean Baseball
I’ve been to multiple KBO games in Korea, including games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Suwon KT Wiz Park, and Gocheok Sky Dome.
I’ve watched the LG Twins, KT Wiz, and Kiwoom Heroes in person, so I’ve gotten to experience a few different stadiums and fanbases around Korea.
But if I had to pick a team, it’s the LG Twins. They’re my team.
Living in Seoul, I’ve naturally ended up going to a lot of LG games at Jamsil, and there’s something special about watching a game there with thousands of LG fans around you.
That said, seeing the KT Wiz in Suwon and Kiwoom at Gocheok was also a great way to experience how different KBO stadiums can feel.
One of my favorite parts of Korean baseball has nothing to do with the actual baseball.
It’s the atmosphere.
You can walk into the stadium, grab a beer and some food, find your seat and suddenly find yourself surrounded by thousands of people singing and cheering together.
Even if you don’t speak Korean, you can still participate.
That’s what makes KBO games such a fun experience for foreigners.
You don’t need to understand every chant or know every player.
Just pay attention to what’s happening around you.
If the entire section suddenly stands up and starts singing, there’s a good chance you should probably stand up too.
And if you want to keep the night going after the game, check out my Seoul nightlife guide for ideas on where to grab drinks afterward.
Tips for Your First KBO Game
If you’re attending your first Korean baseball game, here are a few things I’d recommend:
1. Check the schedule before your trip
If baseball is important to you, don’t wait until you’re already in Korea.
Check the KBO schedule and see which teams are playing while you’re in each city.
2. Pick a convenient stadium
If you’re staying in Seoul, Jamsil and Gocheok are both easy options.
If you’re traveling around Korea, consider catching a game in Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju or another baseball city.
3. Buy early if you want a specific game
You don’t necessarily need to buy months in advance, but popular games can sell out.
If there’s a particular matchup you really want to see, secure your tickets ahead of time.
4. Don’t assume you need a tour package
Third-party services can be convenient, but they’re not necessarily required.
Depending on the game, you may be able to purchase tickets directly from the stadium.
5. Arrive 30–60 minutes early
This gives you plenty of time to find your seats, grab food and drinks and get settled.
6. Don’t worry about understanding everything
You can have an incredible time without knowing the players, teams or chants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Baseball
Can foreigners buy KBO tickets?
Yes. Foreigners can purchase KBO tickets, although the easiest purchasing method can vary depending on the team but you will most likely need to go to the box office before the game with your passport.
Can I buy KBO tickets at the stadium?
Sometimes.
If tickets are still available, you may be able to purchase them directly from the stadium box office.
However, popular games can sell out, so don’t rely on this if you absolutely need to attend a particular game.
Do I need Klook to watch Korean baseball?
No.
Klook and other third-party services can be convenient for foreigners, but they’re not necessarily required.
Can you bring food into KBO stadiums?
Outside food is commonly brought into Korean baseball stadiums, although individual stadium policies can vary.
Check the current rules for the stadium you’re visiting.
Can you bring beer into KBO stadiums?
Beer is a very normal part of the KBO experience, but specific rules regarding outside alcohol can vary by stadium.
Check the current stadium policy before arriving.
What teams play in Seoul?
Three KBO teams are based in Seoul:
- LG Twins
- Doosan Bears
- Kiwoom Heroes
LG and Doosan share Jamsil Baseball Stadium, while Kiwoom plays at Gocheok Sky Dome.
Where should I watch KBO baseball in Seoul?
Jamsil Baseball Stadium is the classic option, especially if you want to experience the LG Twins or Doosan Bears.
Gocheok Sky Dome is another option and has the advantage of being indoors.
When is the KBO season?
The regular season generally runs from late March through September, followed by the postseason and Korean Series in the fall.
How many games does each KBO team play?
Each team plays 144 regular-season games.
What is the Korean Series?
The Korean Series is the championship series that determines the KBO League champion.
Is Korean baseball worth watching if I’m an MLB fan?
Absolutely. The baseball is familiar, but the fan culture and stadium experience are very different from MLB.
If you’re visiting South Korea and enjoy baseball, going to a KBO game is one of the easiest ways to experience Korean sports culture firsthand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Korea and like baseball, put a KBO game on your itinerary.
You don’t need to be a hardcore baseball fan, and you don’t need to understand Korean.
Grab a beer, get some food, find your seat and let the crowd show you how Korean baseball works.
The combination of baseball, food, beer, music and nonstop cheering makes a KBO game one of the most memorable sporting experiences you can have in South Korea.
And if you’re anything like me, you might leave the stadium already planning which team you’re going to see next.
