K League facts for kids
| Organising body | Korea Football Association (1983–1986) K League Federation (1987–1988) Korea Football Association (1989–1994) K League Federation (1994–present) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Divisions | K League 1 K League 2 |
| Number of teams | 26 |
| Level on pyramid | 1–2 |
| Domestic cup(s) | Korean FA Cup |
| International cup(s) | AFC Champions League Elite AFC Champions League Two |
| Current champions | Ulsan HD (2024) |
| Most championships | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (9 titles) |
| TV partners | JTBC Golf&Sports Sky Sports (South Korea) IB SPORTS |
K League (Hangul: K리그) is South Korea's top professional football league. It includes the first division, K League 1, and the second division, K League 2. Clubs competing in the K League have won a record total of twelve AFC Champions League titles. This is the top football competition for clubs in Asia.
Contents
History of the K League
Before the 1970s, football in South Korea had two main leagues. These were the National Semi-professional Football League and the National University Football League. Players in these leagues could not focus only on football.
In 1979, the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), Choi Soon-young, planned to start a professional football league. The first professional football club in South Korea, Hallelujah FC, was created the next year. After the professional baseball league, KBO League, started in 1982, the KFA realized football needed to become more popular.
In 1983, the KFA quickly created the Korean Super League. It had two professional clubs (Hallelujah FC, Yukong Elephants) and three semi-professional clubs (POSCO Dolphins, Daewoo Royals, Kookmin Bank). The goal was to make South Korean football fully professional. Over time, other clubs also became professional, and new professional teams joined. In its early years, the league even allowed winners from the Semi-professional League to join.
However, fewer people came to watch the games, even with the KFA's efforts. So, the professional league, renamed the Korean Professional Football League, started using a home and away system in 1987. This was to make games more interesting for fans.
On July 30, 1994, the Professional League Committee became independent from the KFA. It was renamed the "Korean Professional Football Federation". In 1996, the South Korean government and the Football Federation tried a new plan. They wanted to spread football's popularity across the country, especially for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Several clubs in the capital city, Seoul, moved to other cities. But this plan was stopped after only three years. It was seen as a failure because it moved teams away from the most populated city. In 1998, the league was renamed again to its current name, K League.
The K League changed to its current setup after the 2011 season. It stopped having the K League Championship and the Korean League Cup. In 2013, it split into two divisions. The first division was called the K League Classic, and the second was the K League Challenge. These names were very similar, which caused some confusion. So, starting with the 2018 season, the divisions were renamed K League 1 and K League 2.
In February 2021, a streaming service for international fans, called K League TV, officially started.
How the K League Works
The K League includes K League 1 and K League 2. These are the professional football championships in South Korea. Below them are two semi-professional leagues (K3 League and K4 League). There are also three amateur leagues (K5, K6, and K7 Leagues).
Teams can move up or down between divisions within each level (professional, semi-professional, and amateur). However, clubs from K3 and below cannot currently move up to the K League. The KFA has plans to combine all these promotion and relegation systems into one starting in 2027.
Since 2021, teams from K League 1 and K League 2 have been allowed to have their reserve teams play in the K4 League.
K League Clubs
Current K League 1 Teams
Current K League 2 Teams
All-Time K League Clubs
Since the K League began in 1983, 37 different clubs have been members. The list below shows these clubs with their current names. The K League officially counts a club's history and records as continuing from its older names. Clubs in italics no longer exist.
| No. | Club | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | POSCO Dolphins (1983–1984) POSCO Atoms (1985–1994) Pohang Atoms (1995–1996) Pohang Steelers (1997–present) |
POSCO |
| 2 | Hallelujah FC (1983–1985) | Shindongah Group |
| 3 | Yukong Elephants (1983–1995) Bucheon Yukong (1996–1997) Bucheon SK (1997–2005) Jeju United (2006–2024) Jeju SK (2025–present) |
SK Energy |
| 4 | Daewoo Royals (1983–1995) Busan Daewoo Royals (1996–1999) Busan I'Cons (2000–2004) Busan IPark (2005–present) |
Daewoo (1983–1999) HDC Group (2000–present) |
| 5 | Kookmin Bank (1983–1984) | Kookmin Bank |
| 6 | Hyundai Horang-i (1984–1995) Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1996–2007) Ulsan Hyundai (2008–2023) Ulsan HD (2024–present) |
Hyundai Motor Company (1984–1997) Hyundai Heavy Industries (1998–present) |
| 7 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (1984–1990) LG Cheetahs (1991–1995) Anyang LG Cheetahs (1996–2003) FC Seoul (2004–present) |
LG Group (1984–2004) GS Group (2004–present) |
| 8 | Hanil Bank FC (1984–1986) | Hanil Bank |
| 9 | Sangmu FC (1985) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps |
| 10 | Ilhwa Chunma (1989–1995) Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma (1996–1999) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (2000–2013) Seongnam FC (2014–present) |
Ilwha Company (1989–2013) Government of Seongnam (2014–present) |
| 11 | Chonbuk Buffalo (1994) | Bobae Soju |
| 12 | Jeonbuk Dinos (1995–1996) Jeonbuk Hyundai Dinos (1997–1999) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2000–present) |
Hyundai Motor Company Hyunyang Company (1995–1999) |
| 13 | Jeonnam Dragons (1995–present) | POSCO |
| 14 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (1996–present) | Samsung Electronics (1996–2014) Cheil Worldwide (2014–present) |
| 15 | Daejeon Citizen (1997–2019) Daejeon Hana Citizen (2020–present) |
Dong Ah Group (1997–1998) Chungchong Bank (1997–1998) Dongyang Department Store (1997–1999) Kyeryong Construction Company (1997–2002) Government of Daejeon (2003–2019) Hana Financial Group (2020–present) |
| 16 | Gwangju Sangmu (2003–2010) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Gwangju |
| 17 | Daegu FC (2003–present) | Government of Daegu |
| 18 | Incheon United (2004–present) | Government of Incheon |
| 19 | Gyeongnam FC (2006–present) | Government of Gyeongnam Province |
| 20 | Gangwon FC (2009–present) | Government of Gangwon Province |
| 21 | Sangju Sangmu (2011–2020) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Sangju |
| 22 | Gwangju FC (2011–present) | Government of Gwangju |
| 23 | Police FC (2013) Ansan Police (2014–2015) Ansan Mugunghwa (2016) |
KNP Sports Club Government of Ansan (2014–2016) |
| 24 | Goyang Hi FC (2013–2015) Goyang Zaicro (2016) |
|
| 25 | Chungju Hummel (2013–2016) | Hummel Korea |
| 26 | Suwon FC (2013–present) | Government of Suwon |
| 27 | Bucheon FC 1995 (2013–present) | Government of Bucheon |
| 28 | FC Anyang (2013–present) | Government of Anyang |
| 29 | Seoul E-Land (2015–present) | E-Land Group |
| 30 | Asan Mugunghwa (2017–2019) | KNP Sports Club Government of Asan |
| 31 | Ansan Greeners (2017–present) | Government of Ansan |
| 32 | Chungnam Asan (2020–present) | Government of Asan Government of Chungnam Province |
| 33 | Gimcheon Sangmu (2021–present) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Gimcheon |
| 34 | Gimpo FC (2022–present) | Government of Gimpo |
| 35 | Cheonan City (2023–present) | Government of Cheonan |
| 36 | Chungbuk Cheongju (2023–present) | Government of Cheongju |
| 37 | Hwaseong FC (2025–present) | Government of Hwaseong |
K League Champions
Here are the champions for both K League 1 and K League 2 over the years. K League 2 started much later than K League 1.
| Year | K League 1 | K League 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Hallelujah FC | No second-tier professional league |
| 1984 | Daewoo Royals | |
| 1985 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso | |
| 1986 | POSCO Atoms | |
| 1987 | Daewoo Royals | |
| 1988 | POSCO Atoms | |
| 1989 | Yukong Elephants | |
| 1990 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso | |
| 1991 | Daewoo Royals | |
| 1992 | POSCO Atoms | |
| 1993 | Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 1994 | Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 1995 | Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 1996 | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i | |
| 1997 | Busan Daewoo Royals | |
| 1998 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | |
| 1999 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | |
| 2000 | Anyang LG Cheetahs | |
| 2001 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 2002 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 2003 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 2004 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | |
| 2005 | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i | |
| 2006 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | |
| 2007 | Pohang Steelers | |
| 2008 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | |
| 2009 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | |
| 2010 | FC Seoul | |
| 2011 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | |
| 2012 | FC Seoul | |
| 2013 | Pohang Steelers | Sangju Sangmu |
| 2014 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Daejeon Citizen |
| 2015 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Sangju Sangmu |
| 2016 | FC Seoul | Ansan Mugunghwa |
| 2017 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Gyeongnam FC |
| 2018 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Asan Mugunghwa |
| 2019 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Gwangju FC |
| 2020 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Jeju United |
| 2021 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Gimcheon Sangmu |
| 2022 | Ulsan Hyundai | Gwangju FC |
| 2023 | Ulsan Hyundai | Gimcheon Sangmu |
| 2024 | Ulsan HD | FC Anyang |
Promotion and Relegation Play-offs
The K League started promotion-relegation play-offs in 2013. These games are played between the 11th-placed team in K League 1 and the second-placed team in K League 2. The first game is always at the K League 2 team's home stadium. The second game is at the K League 1 team's home stadium.
Since 2022, another play-off series was added. This is between the 10th-placed team in K League 1 and the third-placed team in K League 2.
| Season | K League 1 | Aggregate | K League 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Gangwon FC | 2–4 | Sangju Sangmu | 1–4 | 1–0 |
| 2014 | Gyeongnam FC | 2–4 | Gwangju FC | 1–3 | 1–1 |
| 2015 | Busan IPark | 0–3 | Suwon FC | 0–1 | 0–2 |
| 2016 | Seongnam FC | 1–1 (a) | Gangwon FC | 0–0 | 1–1 |
| 2017 | Sangju Sangmu | 1–1 (5–4 p) | Busan IPark | 1–0 | 0–1 (aet) |
| 2018 | FC Seoul | 4–2 | Busan IPark | 3–1 | 1–1 |
| 2019 | Gyeongnam FC | 0–2 | Busan IPark | 0–0 | 0–2 |
| 2020 | Not held | ||||
| 2021 | Gangwon FC | 4–2 | Daejeon Hana Citizen | 0–1 | 4–1 |
| 2022 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | 2–1 | FC Anyang | 0–0 | 2–1 (aet) |
| Gimcheon Sangmu | 1–6 | Daejeon Hana Citizen | 1–2 | 0–4 | |
| 2023 | Gangwon FC | 2–1 | Gimpo FC | 0–0 | 2–1 |
| Suwon FC | 6–4 | Busan IPark | 1–2 | 5–2 (aet) | |
| 2024 | Daegu FC | 6–5 | Chungnam Asan | 3–4 | 3–1 (aet) |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 4–2 | Seoul E-Land | 2–1 | 2–1 | |
Rules for Foreign Players
When the K League started in 1983, only two players from other countries (Brazil) were on team rosters. At that time, clubs could have three foreign players, and all three could play in a game at the same time.
From the 1996 season, each team could have five foreign players. Three of them could play in a game at the same time. In 1999, foreign goalkeepers were not allowed in the league. This was because South Korean clubs used too many foreign goalkeepers after seeing how well Valeri Sarychev played.
In 2001 and 2002, the limit on foreign players grew to seven. But still, only three could play at once. This was a temporary rule because many players were called up for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The limit was lowered to five in 2003, four in 2005, and three in 2007.
Since 2009, teams can have four foreign players. One of these players must be from a country in the AFC. Between 2020 and 2024, teams could also register a player from Southeast Asia under a special rule. The ban on foreign goalkeepers was removed in 2025. They will be able to play in the league starting in 2026.
Currently, K League 1 teams can have six foreign players on their squad. K League 2 teams can have five.
Club Relocations
In the early years, K League clubs had official hometowns. But this didn't mean much because all clubs played their games by traveling to all stadiums together. The current system, where teams play home and away games, started in 1987.
In 1990, clubs moved from provinces to cities. Since 1994, clubs are based in their specific area, whether it's a province or a city. In 1996, a plan to spread football's popularity was put into action. As a result, three clubs based in Seoul moved to other cities. Since 1996, all clubs must include their hometown name in their club name.
| Club | National tour system (1983–1986) | Home and away system (1987–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Pohang Steelers | Daegu–Gyeongbuk (1983) | Daegu–Gyeongbuk → Pohang (1988) |
| Jeju SK | Seoul–Incheon–Gyeonggi (1983) → Seoul (1984) | Seoul → Incheon–Gyeonggi (1987) → Seoul (1991) → Bucheon (2001) → Jeju (2006) |
| Busan IPark | Busan–Gyeongnam (1983) | Busan–Gyeongnam → Busan (1989) |
| Ulsan HD | Incheon–Gyeonggi (1984) → Incheon–Gyeonggi–Gangwon (1986) | Gangwon (1987) → Ulsan (1990) |
| FC Seoul | Chungnam–Chungbuk (1984) | Chungnam–Chungbuk → Seoul (1990) → Anyang (1996) → Seoul (2004) |
| Seongnam FC | — | Seoul (1989) → Cheonan (1996) → Seongnam (2000) |
| Gimcheon Sangmu | — | Gwangju (2003) → Sangju (2011) → Gimcheon (2021) |
| Asan Mugunghwa | — | Unlocated (2013) → Ansan (2014) → Asan (2017) |
K League Awards
Annual Awards
Each year, the K League gives out several awards to recognize top players and managers:
- K League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP)
- K League Top Scorer Award (for the player who scores the most goals)
- K League Top Assist Provider Award (for the player who makes the most assists)
- K League Young Player of the Year Award (for the best young player)
- K League Manager of the Year Award (for the best coach)
- K League Best XI (a team of the 11 best players in the league)
- K League FANtastic Player (chosen by fans)
Hall of Fame
The K League also has a Hall of Fame to honor important people in its history.
Star Players
| Year | Inductee | Clubs | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Choi Soon-ho | POSCO Atoms (1983–1987, 1991) Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (1988–1990) |
|
| 2023 | Hong Myung-bo | Pohang Steelers (1992–1997, 2002) | |
| 2023 | Shin Tae-yong | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (1992–2004) | |
| 2023 | Lee Dong-gook | Pohang Steelers (1998–2002, 2005–2006) Gwangju Sangmu (2003–2005) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (2008) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2009–2020) |
|
| 2025 | Kim Joo-sung | Busan Daewoo Royals (1987–1999) | |
| 2025 | Kim Byung-ji | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1992–2000) Pohang Steelers (2001–2005) FC Seoul (2006–2008) Gyeongnam FC (2009–2012) Jeonnam Dragons (2013–2015) |
|
| 2025 | Yoo Sang-chul | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1994–1998, 2002–2003, 2005–2006) | |
| 2025 | Dejan Damjanović | Incheon United (2007) FC Seoul (2008–2013, 2016–2017) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2018–2019) Daegu FC (2020) |
Leaders in Football
| Year | Inductee | Clubs | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Kim Jung-nam | Yukong Elephants (1985–1992) Ulsan Hyundai (2000–2008) |
|
| 2025 | Kim Ho | Hyundai Horang-i (1988–1990) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (1995–2003) Daejeon Citizen (2007–2009) |
Special Honors
| Year | Inductee | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Park Tae-joon | Founder of Pohang Steelers and Jeonnam Dragons | |
| 2025 | Chung Mong-joon | President of Korea Football Association (1993–2009) President of K League Federation (1994–1998) Vice-president of FIFA (1994–2011) President of East Asian Football Federation (2004) |
K League Sponsors
The K League has had different sponsors over the years. These sponsors help fund the league and often have their names included in the league's official title for a season.
| Sponsor | Season | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| None | 1983–1993 | Korean Professional Football League |
| Hite | 1994–1995 | Hite Cup Korean League |
| Rapido | 1996–1997 | Rapido Cup Professional Football League |
| Hyundai Group | 1998 | Hyundai Cup K-League |
| Hyundai Securities | 1999 | Buy Korea Cup K-League |
| Samsung Electronics | 2000 | Samsung DigiTall K-League |
| POSCO | 2001 | POSCO K-League |
| Samsung Electronics | 2002 | Samsung PAVV K-League |
| 2003–2008 | Samsung Hauzen K-League | |
| None | 2009 | K-League |
| Hyundai Motor Company | 2010 | Sonata K League |
| Hyundai Oilbank | 2011–2016 | Hyundai Oilbank K League |
| Hana Bank | 2017–2018 | KEB Hana Bank K League |
| 2019–2023 | Hana 1Q K League | |
| 2024–present | Hana Bank K League |
More About K League
- Football in South Korea
- Korean League Cup
- K League All-Star Game
- Korean Super Cup
- R League
See also
In Spanish: K League para niños
