In Korea, baseball is more than just a sport. It is a full-body, high-energy, sensory experience. Since the launch of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League in 1982, Korean baseball culture has captured the hearts of many, even earning strong international results despite limited infrastructure.
Baseball stadiums have become cultural spaces where families, friends, and couples gather to enjoy exciting plays and the passionate energy of the fans. In this post, we’ll explore the unique aspects of Korean baseball culture. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you’ll likely find it fascinating!
The Heart of Korean Baseball Culture: Passionate Fans
The most defining feature of Korean baseball culture is its fans. They are known for their relentless passion. KBO League 10 teams are deeply connected to their local communities, and fans take pride in supporting the team that represents their region. (For instance, as someone from Daejeon, I naturally became a fan of the Hanwha Eagles, whose home is in Daejeon.)
What makes Korean baseball truly unique is its highly developed KBO cheering culture. This is not the passive, intermittent clapping you might see in other leagues. This is a 9-inning, organized spectacle.
The KBO Cheering System
Every team has an organized cheering squad—including a cheer captain (응원단장, eungwondanjang) and K-pop-style cheerleaders—who stand on a stage facing the crowd, not the field. With a full microphone and sound system, they lead the entire stadium section in group chants, songs, and dances for the whole game. Fans follow along with thundersticks and synchronized movements, making the game feel more like a lively festival or an outdoor concert.
Every single player, from the star batter to the rookie pitcher, has their own dedicated entrance song and personalized chant. Fans memorize all of them, singing loudly when their player comes to bat. This aspect of Korean baseball culture creates an incredible sense of unity and energy.
A Closer Look: What is the ‘Ppikki Ppikki’ Dance?
You may have seen this part of the KBO cheering culture go viral on TikTok. Recently, the KIA Tigers cheerleaders’ dance, called the ‘삐끼삐끼’ (Ppikki Ppikki), has become world-famous.
So, what is the ‘Ppikki Ppikki’ dance? It’s a unique taunt the Tigers team performs after striking out an opposing batter. The cheerleaders and fans dance to a catchy, repetitive song, making a “Ppikki Ppikki” (an onomatopoeia for a “삐” or ‘beep’ sound) motion with their hands. It’s a fun, playful, and slightly sassy way to celebrate a defensive win, and it perfectly captures the high-energy, show-focused nature of Korean baseball culture. Why not give it a try yourself? 🙂
More Than Chants: A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Korean baseball stadiums are incredibly popular spots for families. On weekends or holidays, it’s common to see parents bringing their kids to enjoy the game together. Baseball serves as a way to bridge generations, and there are plenty of events and activities for younger fans, helping children become more familiar with the sport.
Between innings, the giant screen will feature events like “Kiss Cam,” “Dance Cam,” or beer-drinking contests, keeping the energy high. Some teams even host special events like “Family Day,” providing programs that cater to families, ensuring everyone has a great time. This makes the stadium a safe and welcoming environment for all.
The Feast: Korean Baseball Stadium Food
Another big draw of Korean baseball stadium food is the wide variety of options available. The famous combination of chicken and beer, known as chimaek (치맥), has become a staple of the baseball experience.
But the Korean baseball stadium food scene goes way beyond that. You can find:
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Kimbap (seaweed rice rolls)
- Jokbal (braised pig’s trotters)
- Instant Ramyeon (served in special foil bowls)
At some stadiums, like Incheon’s SSG Landers Field, you can even grill samgyeopsal (pork belly) right at your seat!
Furthermore, the Korean baseball culture fully embraces delivery. You don’t even have to leave your seat. You can order chimaek via a mobile app, and a delivery person will bring it directly to your section. The overall atmosphere of the stadium is like a festival, where fans can eat, drink, and cheer in a relaxed, fun environment.
➤ Baseball in Korea has grown into a unique cultural experience. The passionate cheering, family-centered viewing culture, and the various attractions inside the stadium make the Korean baseball culture special.
If you ever visit Korea, attending a local baseball game offers a chance to experience this lively, one-of-a-kind culture. The excitement and energy of the fans, combined with the festive atmosphere, will leave you with unforgettable memories.
