KBO teams and their home cities

Baseball stadiums are one of the hottest spots in Korea these days. Last year, the KBO League surpassed 10 million spectators for the first time in history, proving its immense popularity. Notably, the increasing number of fans in their 20s has created a younger and more energetic atmosphere. But what is it that makes them so enthusiastic about the baseball stadium? In this episode, we take a look at the diverse ballpark foods, from chimaek (chicken & beer) to tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cake) to samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and baseball pochas (pubs), where you can cheer for baseball games with total strangers outside the stadium. Visit your favorite team’s home stadium, enjoy delicious food, cheer passionately, and experience the charm of Korean ballparks firsthand!

Related column:
Win or Lose, a Festival for Everyone! The Unique Korean Baseball Cheer Culture Part 1: Merch & Events

✅ Unique ballpark food options

1) Signature menus by stadium

Korean baseball stadiums are also top-rated eateries. Each ballpark has its signature menu, which fans call “local must-go places.” Many fans travel for away games while also enjoying exploring those places. Some of the famous ballpark menus are Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium’s “One Shot Chicken,” a beer and chicken in one hand, Incheon SSG Landers Field’s cream shrimp (crispy fried shrimp with a spicy cream sauce), and Suwon kt wiz Park’s “Jinmi Tongdak,” a Korean style whole chicken brand that is famous nationwide.

Daejeon Hanhwa Life Ballpark offers many traditional food options. Its signature menu is “Nongshim Garak” Tteokbokki, which features garaetteok (long, large, and chewy rice cakes). At Changwon NC Park, “Beer Bat” (beer served in a baseball bat-shaped cup) is particularly popular. Many fans order the menu because they can keep the cup as a souvenir. These unique stadium-exclusive food options are actively shared on social media as a “must-eat ballpark food list,” becoming another part of Korea’s unique baseball culture.

2) Special F&B seating areas – BBQ & picnic zones

Some baseball stadiums have special seating areas where you can enjoy eating. These seats can be booked just like regular seats by selecting your preferred location.

E-Mart BBQ zone at Incheon SSG Landers Field

The BBQ zone is one of the most challenging seats to book at Incheon SSG Landers Field. Since fans can grill their barbecue while watching the game, it is popular among those seeking an exceptional experience. Essential utensils like grills, scissors, and tongs are available for rent. Also, you don’t have to worry about coming empty-handed because meat, vegetables, and other ingredients can be purchased on-site.

Grass seat area at Suwon kt wiz Park

If you wish to watch baseball and enjoy a picnic at the same time, the outfield grass seat area at Suwon kt wiz Park is your perfect choice. Spread out a picnic mat, sit back, and leisurely enjoy the game like a picnic in the park. It is also great for lying down for a quick break or chatting with your friends over snacks. The charm of the grass seat area is that you can enjoy the game in a much more relaxed way while still feeling the energy of the stadium.

✅ Baseball pocha as an alternative to the ballpark

Seoul Galmegi, a baseball-themed sports bar (Credit: eatjian @ Naver Blog)

Baseball pocha is a sports bar dedicated to baseball where fans gather to share the excitement of cheering together. Though not at the stadium, you can watch games on big screens while enjoying chimaek, singing anthems, and toasting beer to enjoy electrifying moments. Particularly in Seoul, many baseball pochas are frequented by regular fans of specific teams, making it easy to socialize with fellow supporters.

Korea’s baseball stadiums are a festive place where fans are brought together. Be it at the stadium or a baseball pocha, you’ll find everyone united while cheering for the game. It doesn’t matter whether you are familiar with the rules or not. Just go with the flow and join the loud cheers and applause. You’ll surely enjoy the game with others before you know it!

* This column was last updated in March 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.