South Korea's World Cup Fandom Moves from Public Squares to Intimate Venues

During the co‑hosted 2002 FIFA World Cup, South Korea turned its city centers into a massive public square, with streets filled by workers, families and college students cheering the national team’s historic run to the semifinals. Sociology professor Huh Chang‑deog observed, "There was a strong sense of emotional release at the time," as the tournament offered a unifying outlet after the Asian financial crisis.

More than two decades later, the cheering culture has shifted. Fans now gather in small pubs, cafés or at home, reserving limited seats hours after registration opens and sharing reactions on social media. This change reflects a broader move toward individualised, convenience‑oriented leisure in a digitally connected society.