Thousands of people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to cheer for South Korea's national football team during a World Cup match against Mexico [1].
The mass gathering highlights the deep cultural significance of the national team's performance and the tradition of public cheering rallies in South Korea. These events often serve as a unifying national experience during the tournament's group stages.
The square was dyed red by a sea of supporters, including workers, students, foreign visitors, and local citizens [1]. At one point, approximately 18,000 people gathered at the square to show their support [1].
Attendees braved the heat to encourage a victory for the team. Kim Chan-seo, a resident of Miryang in Gyeongnam Province, said that while it was very hot, he wanted to use that heat as passion to cheer harder and see a good result [1].
For some, the event was a family priority. Gong Yong-hwan, from Wirye-dong in Seoul, said he originally intended to work today but came out to create good memories, and build experiences for his children [1].
Local authorities maintained a presence at the square to manage the crowd as the "red wave" of supporters filled the urban center [1]. The rally focused on the second match of the group stage, where the atmosphere remained vibrant throughout the proceedings [1].
“The square was dyed red by a sea of supporters.”
The scale of the gathering at Gwanghwamun Square reflects the continued power of collective sports fandom in South Korea. By transforming a central political and historical landmark into a sporting arena, the event demonstrates how the World Cup transcends sport to become a significant social ritual and a point of national identity.
