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World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • South Korea's capital, Seoul, is experiencing a surge in business activity and public enthusiasm following the national football team's victory in the FIFA World Cup.
  • Retailers and restaurants are reporting increased sales and customer interest, with merchandise stores seeing a significant rise in demand for national team jerseys.
  • Fans are actively participating in World Cup events, with many planning to gather in public spaces like Gwanghwamun Square to watch upcoming matches and cheer for the team.

World Cup fever is gripping Seoul, with businesses reporting a notable upswing in interest and sales following the South Korean national team's promising start to the tournament. The national team's recent victory against the Czech Republic has ignited a wave of enthusiasm across the capital, transforming casual observers into dedicated supporters.

I'm normally not interested enough to wear a jersey and cheer. But this World Cup has been exciting and I like the jersey design, so I wanted to support the team by wearing one.

— Ryu Je-haA Seoul resident explains his newfound enthusiasm for supporting the national team during the World Cup.

Ryu Je-ha, a Seoul resident, exemplifies this shift. "I'm normally not interested enough to wear a jersey and cheer," he admitted while shopping for merchandise. "But this World Cup has been exciting and I like the jersey design, so I wanted to support the team by wearing one." Ryu plans to join fellow fans at Gwanghwamun Square for the upcoming match against Mexico, eager to "experience the atmosphere of being with a lot of people and cheering together."

This surge in national pride is translating into tangible economic benefits. Retailers like Musinsa, a major South Korean fashion platform, have seen a dramatic increase in demand. Searches for "South Korea jersey" on their app surged nearly fivefold after the opening win, and overall football jersey sales rose over 30 percent year-on-year. Restaurants are also capitalizing on the excitement, with establishments like Dalmaji Square BBQ opening early to screen matches and attract customers.

I would also like to experience the atmosphere of being with a lot of people and cheering together.

— Ryu Je-haRyu Je-ha expresses his desire to join public gatherings to watch the World Cup matches.

Despite matches often kicking off in the early morning hours in South Korea, fan engagement remains high. Dedicated fan zones in areas like Gangnam are hosting football-themed games and activities, fostering a sense of community. "Since schools are showing the games and there are also broadcasts in Gwanghwamun, there seems to be more interest than I expected," one fan observed, highlighting the widespread nature of the World Cup's appeal.

Since schools are showing the games and there are also broadcasts in Gwanghwamun, there seems to be more interest than I expected.

— fanAn unnamed fan comments on the unexpectedly high level of public interest in the World Cup matches in Seoul.

The "Taegeuk Warriors," as the national team is known, have clearly captured the nation's attention, creating a vibrant atmosphere that extends beyond the sports field and into the daily lives of Seoul's residents.

Since it's summer, it's hot during the day so we were concerned that customers would have to drink warm beer and sit there sweating while watching the match. But because the game was so exciting, I think

— Kim Hyun-gyuManager Kim Hyun-gyu of Dalmaji Square BBQ discusses the challenges and excitement of screening World Cup matches for customers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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