Gwanghwamun Square Erupts as Oh Hyun-gyu's Goal Seals Comeback Win

Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul transformed into a sea of red and white as thousands of fans gathered to watch South Korea's opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Czechia. The atmosphere was electric, with fans waving flags and blowing trumpets, their cheers echoing through the city.

Despite a tense first half with no goals, the supporters remained steadfast, their energy peaking as lunchtime crowds of office workers joined the vigil. The large screen at the KT Gwanghwamun building became the focal point, drawing gasps and cheers with every turn of the game. The event, organized by the Korea Football Association, Red Devils, and KT, was divided into six zones for safety, but the sheer volume of people meant the square and surrounding areas, including the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, were packed.

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I'm so happy we won, and I want to cheer on the street for the upcoming matches too.

Czechia's early second-half goal momentarily silenced the crowd, but the mood quickly shifted. Hwang In-beom's equalizer in the 67th minute and Oh Hyun-gyu's stunning go-ahead goal in the 80th minute sent the square into a frenzy. "I'm so happy we won, and I want to cheer on the street for the upcoming matches too," said university student Lee Ju-eun, who had been there since the start with a friend.

Local businesses also benefited from the World Cup fever. Restaurants and pubs were filled with office workers enjoying the match during their lunch breaks. "It was fun to cheer and jeer with colleagues while watching the game at a pub during lunch," said office worker Jeong, 33. Fans lingered after the match, taking photos and savoring the victory, a testament to the shared passion for their national team.

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It was fun to cheer and jeer with colleagues while watching the game at a pub during lunch.