As 20th-century Vietnamese, we grew up with passionate soccer matches, thrilling volleyball tournaments, and recently, mesmerizing basketball games. It seems like many Vietnamese people are not familiar with baseball, and personally, I only knew a little about it from the famous Japanese manga, Doraemon. Baseball appeared to be something new, and intriguing, and it compelled me to enjoy it when I had the chance to study abroad in Korea.
According to Arirang's survey, baseball holds more than a 52% market share in Korea, surpassing both soccer and basketball combined. The number of fans increases after each season, with an estimated 8 million enthusiasts. Every visit to the stadium to cheer for a baseball game is a festive occasion for fans in Korea. The passion for baseball has become a cultural phenomenon in Korea. Therefore, there is no reason to refuse such an exciting experience.
The match took place between Daejeon (Hanwha) and Incheon (SSG), with an incredibly vibrant atmosphere. The stands were divided into different sections for supporters on each side, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Additionally, a distinctive feature of a baseball stadium compared to a soccer or basketball court is the presence of food tables in the seating area. This is also a special Korean cultural aspect, where you can enjoy crispy fried chicken, piping hot pizza, and a refreshing beer while watching the game.
The most remarkable aspect that cannot be overlooked is the cheering atmosphere inside the stadium. When my friend told me that each player would have their own chant and cheer dance, I couldn't believe it. How could anyone remember all of that for so many players? But everything before my eyes was truly surprising. Everyone could sing along and dance to every cheer rhythmically and passionately. Regardless of age or gender, everyone united in rhythm, creating an indelible impression on a foreigner like me. It was even more energetic and lively than the music concerts I attended at university. It was truly unbelievable!
Unlike soccer or basketball matches, here, more than 50% of the spectators were female. Moreover, this was also where I encountered many cheerful children, something I hadn't experienced in over a year of living in Korea. This added to the vibrant and youthful atmosphere. Perhaps this will be a sport deeply embedded in the childhood memories of Korean children.
Our Daejeon team covered the field in fiery orange, as passionate as the audience. Everyone wore the team's baseball jerseys, hats, and orange-tinted sunglasses. Everything blended together harmoniously. And surely, you must have noticed that fashion stores also sell a wide range of baseball-inspired clothing. Especially, the popularity of Korean baseball jerseys has transcended national borders and become a fashion trend even now.
Baseball has seemingly become a part of the culture, and spiritual nourishment in the daily lives of Koreans. You can easily find it in any store or café playing baseball games on TV. So, experience it once if you have the chance to set foot in Korea!
