Korea's World Cup Street Support: How Foreigners Can Join the Red Devils in 2026
Korea's World Cup Street Support: How Foreigners Can Join the Red Devils in 2026
Yesterday, South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2–1 in their opening 2026 World Cup match. Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead with a 59th-minute header, but South Korea stormed back — Hwang In-beom equalised with a composed finish in the 67th minute, and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed it in the 80th. At Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, thousands of fans in red shirts erupted as the winning goal went in on the giant screen.
If you missed it, don't worry. There are two more chances — and this guide tells you exactly how to join.
The Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely join Korea's World Cup street support as a foreigner. It's free, requires no registration, and is one of the most vivid ways to experience Korean culture in action.
Two more official street support events remain at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul:
| Date | Match | Kick-off (KST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 19 (Friday) | South Korea vs Mexico | 10:00 AM | Gwanghwamun Square |
| June 25 (Thursday) | South Korea vs South Africa | 10:00 AM | Gwanghwamun Square |
Both events are organized by the Korea Football Association, KT, and the Red Devils. Giant screens, live broadcast, stages, and organized cheering. Just show up in red, follow the chants, and you're in.
What Is Korea's "Street Support" Culture?
 |
| "Gwanghwamun Square — the heart of Korea's World Cup street support! Tens of thousands in red, united as one. Giant screens, Red Devils chants, and electric energy. Two more matches: June 19 vs Mexico, June 25 vs South Africa. Foreigners welcome! π⚽" |
The defining moment was the 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by Korea and Japan. An estimated 6.5 million people joined street support events nationwide during Korea's historic run to the semifinals — one of the largest gatherings in Korean history. Seoul City Hall Plaza and Gwanghwamun were packed night after night. International media coverage noted not just the scale but the atmosphere: intensely passionate, remarkably orderly, and famously clean — fans picking up their own trash before leaving became a widely-reported image of Korean civic culture.
Gwanghwamun Square has been the symbolic center of Korean street support ever since. It's where Koreans come together for football in a way that doesn't happen in most countries, and in 2026 it's happening again.
2026 World Cup: What Happened, What's Next
Yesterday's Result (June 12)
South Korea opened their 2026 World Cup campaign at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico in front of 44,985 spectators.
The match was tight. Czechia, playing in their first World Cup in 20 years, were difficult to break down. South Korea dominated possession — 61.7% for the whole match — and generated 1.84 xG to Czechia's 0.81, but couldn't convert their chances in the first half.
Then came the gut punch: Ladislav Krejci powered home Vladimir Coufal's long throw in the 59th minute. South Korea behind against a team they were expected to beat.
What followed was the kind of comeback that reverberates through Gwanghwamun at ear-splitting volume. Lee Kang-in — who completed all 37 of his passes and created three chances on the day — threaded the ball through for Hwang In-beom, who cut inside and clipped a deft finish inside the post to make it 1–1 in the 67th minute. Then Hwang turned provider: Oh Hyeon-gyu came on as a substitute and tucked home the winner in the 80th minute — the same player who scored the qualifying goal against Iraq last June.
South Korea now sit at the top of Group A alongside Mexico, both on three points.
Group A — Where Things Stand
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 1 | 3 |
| Mexico | 1 | 3 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 |
| Czechia | 1 | 0 |
The next two matches — Mexico on June 19 and South Africa on June 25 — are the ones that decide whether Korea advances. Stakes are high. The atmosphere at Gwanghwamun will reflect that.
How to Join as a Foreigner: Step by Step
 |
| "Join in 5 easy steps! ① Get to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5 Exit 2) → ② Arrive 2 hours early (8 AM for 10 AM kick-off) → ③ Wear red → ④ Learn chants ('Dae-han-min-guk!', 'Oh! Pil-seung Korea!') → ⑤ Follow etiquette (pick up trash, stay orderly). Free, no registration, all welcome! π°π·✅" |
Step 1 — Get to Gwanghwamun Square
Location: Central Seoul, directly in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, near Seoul City Hall.
By subway:
- Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2) — the most direct option, signs lead straight to the square
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) — slightly further but also walkable
On match days, you'll know you're in the right direction from the crowd. The square will have stages, multiple large screens, and staff in uniforms posted throughout.
Step 2 — Arrive Early
The June 19 and June 25 kick-offs are at 10:00 AM KST — morning matches because of the time zone difference with North America. For a World Cup match with full street support, people start arriving well before kick-off to secure good spots.
Recommended arrival for foreigners: 2 hours before kick-off. This gives you time to find a comfortable spot, take in the atmosphere as it builds, and not feel crushed in the densest sections near the front.
If you want to be in the thick of the Red Devils section: arrive earlier, wear red, and be prepared for full-contact cheering.
Step 3 — What to Bring
 |
| "Your Gwanghwamun street support survival kit! ✅ Red shirt/jersey, ✅ Water bottle (June mornings = warm!), ✅ Comfortable shoes (2+ hours standing), ✅ T-money card, ✅ Portable charger, ✅ Korean flag (optional). Arrive at 8 AM for 10 AM kick-off! π⚽" |
| Item | Bring? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red shirt or jacket | Recommended | You don't have to, but you'll blend in — and it feels better |
| Comfortable shoes | Essential | You'll stand for 2+ hours |
| Water bottle | Essential | June mornings can be warm and humid |
| Light jacket | Optional | Early morning, June — can be cooler than expected before the sun rises |
| Cash or T-money card | Recommended | Street food and drinks near the square; convenience stores nearby |
| Portable charger | Recommended | You'll be using navigation and taking photos |
| Large bags | Avoid | May be restricted at major public events for safety |
| Glass bottles | Avoid | Not permitted at large outdoor gatherings |
Step 4 — Learn Two Chants
 |
| "Clap-clap-clap! Clap-clap! Dae-han-min-guk! Koreans and foreigners united in red, chanting together. This is the real magic of Korean street support — you don't need to speak Korean, just follow the rhythm! Learn 2 chants and you're in! πΆ⚽" |
Chant 1 — The Main One:
μ§μ§ μ§! μ§μ§! λνλ―Όκ΅! (Jjak-jjak jjak! Jjak-jjak! Dae-han-min-guk!)
Rhythm: Three claps — two claps — then shout "Daehanminguk." Repeat. You'll hear it within thirty seconds of arriving and be able to follow along immediately.
Chant 2:
μ€! νμΉ μ½λ¦¬μ! (Oh! Pil-seung Korea!) Meaning: "Oh! Victory Korea!"
Sung with drums, usually with bouncing movement. Follow the people around you.
That's it. These two will carry you through the entire match.
Step 5 — Follow Local Etiquette
Korea's street support culture has a strong tradition of self-regulation:
- Follow staff instructions for entry, exit, and positioning
- Don't push forward — screens and speakers cover the whole square
- After the match, many fans spend a few minutes picking up trash around them before leaving. This is completely voluntary, but joining in is a genuinely appreciated gesture
- Plan your subway exit route before the match ends — Gwanghwamun Station will be packed immediately after
Who Are the Red Devils?
The Red Devils (λΆμμ λ§) are the Korean national team's official supporters' group. They've been central to Korean football culture for nearly three decades.
The nickname has its roots in the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship, where foreign media described the Korean team in red as playing like "red devils." The name was adopted with pride. The Red Devils became an officially organized supporters' group in 1997, and their coordination — matching outfits, synchronized chants, drums, the iconic red devil horns — gave Korean street support its distinctive visual character during the 2002 World Cup.
For 2026, the Red Devils are co-organizing the official Gwanghwamun events alongside the Korea Football Association and KT.
You don't need to be a member. As a foreigner, you can stand near their main zone, copy the chants, and be part of the atmosphere without any formal involvement.
Other Ways to Experience Korean Football Culture This World Cup
Other locations in Seoul during matches Beyond Gwanghwamun, informal viewing spots emerge during big matches — Yeouido Hangang Park, bar areas in Itaewon and Hongdae, and screens at corporate plazas in central Seoul. The official event is at Gwanghwamun, but the energy spreads across the city.
K-League matches If you want to experience Korean football culture beyond the World Cup, K-League matches are accessible and affordable. FC Seoul, Jeonbuk Hyundai, and Ulsan HD are among the clubs with strong supporter cultures. Some clubs occasionally host foreigner-friendly events during the season.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to register or buy a ticket? No. The official Gwanghwamun street support events are free and open to the public. No registration, no ticket, no sign-up. Walk up and join.
Q: Is it safe as a solo traveler or foreigner? Yes. Korean street support is known for being loud and passionate but also orderly — crowd control is taken seriously, staff are present throughout, and the tradition of fans self-policing behavior (and cleaning up after themselves) is genuine. Stay aware of your surroundings as you would at any large public event, and follow staff guidance.
Q: Can children come? Yes, with a guardian. For safety at large-scale public events, children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The crowds near the main stage get dense and loud — consider positioning further back if you're bringing young children.
Q: I missed the June 12 match. Can I still join? You missed the opener — South Korea's dramatic 2–1 comeback against Czechia at Gwanghwamun. But you have two more chances: June 19 vs Mexico and June 25 vs South Africa, both at 10:00 AM KST at Gwanghwamun Square.
Q: What happens after the match? The crowd disperses slowly, following announcements from organizers. Many fans pick up trash around them before heading out — it's not mandatory but it's genuinely part of the culture. Plan your subway route in advance; Gwanghwamun Station will be crowded for 20–30 minutes after the match ends.
Related Posts
- How to Get a SIM Card in Korea as a Foreigner — You'll want data for navigation and maps on match day
- How to Use Korean ATMs as a Foreigner — For cash near Gwanghwamun before the match
- 7-Eleven & GS25: Best Convenience Store Meals in Korea — Easy breakfast or snacks before the match
Bookmark this page, wear something red, and get to Gwanghwamun Square. Two more chances.
Have questions about the event or getting there? Drop them in the comments — we'll help you figure it out.
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