experiencing south korea ---: Seoul for the World Cup

Korea vs. Greece --- 2:0

대~한민국!!!

Everybody is gathered at City Hall in Seoul dressed in red. The weather is cloudy with scattered showers, but it hasn't stopped the crowds of millions from gathering. It is 3:30pm when I arrive at City Hall station (Seoul Subway map) and underground it is already crazy. People are everywhere, running in all directions. I head to exit 6 which takes you directly to City Hall. There are people selling Devil horns, clappers, shirts, tattoos, banners, and many other items for cheap! Horns were 2 for 4,000 won. By 4:00pm, the field in front of City Hall was totally filled with people. The game didn't start until 8:00pm. By 7:00pm you couldn't even move. To go to the bathroom, I had to push through what seemed like thousands of people before reaching the steps to the subway. The wait for the bathroom took so long popping a squat right in the middle of the subway station seemed like the only sane option.

I went to Seoul watch the first match: Korea vs. Greece. The atmosphere is the best part of going to a crowded venue. Everyone was cheering and chanting and singing for Korea. There were free hand clappers being handed out to all the early arrivals.

The World Cup happens every 4 years; this year it is being held in Johannesburg, South Africa. In South Korea, there are 2 main places to go to watch Korea play in the World Cup:

1. The CoEx Mall(http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/215) is the official destination for the Red Devils team, located on subway line 2, Samseong Station, use exits 5 & 6 to get to the entrance to COEX Mall.

2. City Hall, subway line 1 and subway line 2 intersect here. They had a stage with famous singers and performers as well as an MC during the game pumping the crowds up. I had a great time at City Hall and recommend going early to get a good spot close to the screens. There are 2 screens on either side of the stage, as well as a screen high up on the building (as you can see in the first picture up top).

The crowds went insanely wild everytime a goal was scored. There were fireworks all throughout.