Wikipedia - Korean FA Cup

The Korea Cup (Korean: 코리아컵), formerly the Korean FA Cup, is a national football cup knockout competition of South Korea, held annually by the Korea Football Association (KFA). Before the competition was established in 1996, two similar tournaments named All Joseon Football Tournament (1921–1940) and Korean National Football Championship (1946–2000) were played. It was renamed Korea Cup in 2024, with the winners qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite (if they finish top four in the K League 1) or the AFC Champions League Two (if they finish outside the top four in the K League 1).

History

The All Joseon Football Tournament was founded by the Joseon Sports Council in 1921, during Japanese rule in Korea. Youth, student and adult football clubs from various provinces participated. After 1934, it became a part of the Korean National Sports Festival, which was the championship for various sports games and matched Koreans against other sports championships operated by Japanese who lived in Korea. The Joseon Sports Council was disbanded in 1937, due to the Japanese government's oppression, and the Joseon Football Association (currently KFA) succeeded it after 1938, but was cancelled after 1940 for the same reason during World War II.

After the liberation of Korea, the KFA founded the National Football Championship and the President's Cup, entered by many semi-professional clubs and amateur clubs from all over South Korea. They opened in spring and late autumn each.

The National Football Championship declined after the founding of the K League, because professional clubs and famous players didn't take part in it. There were several efforts to make professional clubs join the tournament, and it became so successful that many top-rank clubs joined the championship, renamed "FA Cup", during 1988 and 1989 season. However, it soon returned to a semi-professional tournament in 1990, because of discord between the KFA and professional clubs. The current FA Cup separated from the National Championship in 1996, and two competitions merged again since 2001. The President's Cup was also abolished in 2010.

**South Korea Cup: A Celebration of Soccer Excellence**

The South Korea Cup is an exhilarating annual soccer tournament that showcases the best of South Korean football talent, bringing together teams from various leagues and regions to compete for glory. Established to promote the sport and foster a spirit of camaraderie among players and fans alike, the tournament has quickly become a highlight on the national sports calendar.

**Format and Structure:**
The South Korea Cup features a knockout format, where teams battle it out in a series of thrilling matches leading up to the grand final. Clubs from the K League, as well as amateur and semi-professional teams, are invited to participate, ensuring a diverse and competitive field. The tournament typically kicks off in the spring, culminating in an electrifying final match held in a prestigious stadium, often attended by thousands of passionate fans.

**Community and Culture:**
Beyond the competition, the South Korea Cup serves as a platform for community engagement, with various events and activities designed to promote soccer at the grassroots level. Local schools and youth clubs are encouraged to participate in associated events, fostering a love for the game among the younger generation. The tournament also highlights South Korea's rich soccer culture, celebrating the sport's history and its impact on national identity.

**Fan Experience:**
Fans can expect an unforgettable experience, with vibrant atmospheres, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet players and coaches. The South Korea Cup not only showcases top-tier soccer but also emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and community spirit.

Join us for the South Korea Cup, where passion meets competition, and witness the rise of future soccer stars as they strive for victory on the national stage!