[Anchor] This week’s Jeju: A to Z has Todd Thacker profiling one of Jeju’s most recognizable structures. Jeju World Cup Stadium is home to the Jeju United Football Club and is the venue of various sports competitions and festivals.
[Report]
Along the island’s beautiful south coast is Jeju World Cup Stadium, an architectural landmark and marvel located in Beophwan-dong (법환동), Seogwipo.

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Beophwan-dong, Seogwipo

One of 10 world cup stadiums built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, it opened in December 2001 and has proven to be one of the most recognizable sports venues in Korea.

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$120m structure modeled on Jeju volcanic cone, fishing nets

The $120 million stadium was modeled on the shape of an oreum, or volcanic cone, a ubiquitous sight on the island. Its roof, too, has a Jeju theme. It resembles the nets which hang from the mast of the tewoo, a traditional fishing vessel unique to the island.

From an engineering perspective, the site’s windy location meant that the actual soccer pitch needed to be built 14 meters into the ground, to help prevent problems with ball handling during matches.

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Seats 35,000, home to Jeju United

Though just three World Cup matches were staged here, today it seats 35,000 and is home to Jeju’s only professional sports team, Jeju United FC. The structure also houses a number of offices and businesses, including a movie theater and museum.

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Todd Thacker

The southern area of Seogwipo has its own distinct look and feel. With Jeju World Cup Stadium as a landmark, its profile becomes truly unique.

Todd Thacker KCTV