K League's AFC Champions League stadiums | OneFootball

Meanwhile,Ulsan Hyundai take their spot for the 11th time having claimed a first K League title since 2005. Interestingly, they added AFC titles in 2012 and 2020 between their two most recent domestic successes. The Munsu-based club are odds-on to go back-to-back in K League 1 and as long as they can maintain their firm grip on the top flight, they'll be able to focus largely on matching Pohang's record (see below).

To do so, Ulsan will need to first overcome Kawasaki Frontale (J League 1 runners-up), Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysian treble winners), and BG Bathum United (Thai League 1 runners-up) in Group I. The games with the Japanese team will likely define the group but Ulsan should progress with minimal discomfort. Hong Myung-bo's side doesn't have domestic Cup games to worry about so this tournament will get their full attention.

Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium is a marvelous sight when the crowds show up.

Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium

Like Jeonju, Munsu was built for the 2002 World Cup. There is no running track and the stadium consists of four, double-tiered and connected stands. The design looks basic but there are interesting features in the corners including a section devoted to tents. One of the great curiosities of Munsu is the tiny-screen TV above the away fans. It looks like it shrunk in the wash.

The home fans sit and stand in the South Stand, and this is possibly the best place to watch a game in Munsu. The view is naturally better from either of the two long stands, but as Kawasaki will be arriving in December, when the weather is likely to be chilly, standing, jumping, and dancing with the home supporters will be a better option.

Denmark defeated Uruguay, and Brazil controversially overcame Turkey in the group stages of '02 in Ulsan. Following USA's success in Jeonju, they moved to Ulsan where their World Cup dream was eventually ended by Germany.  Before the World Cup, Munsu hosted three games at the 2001 Confederations Cup. The Korean national team sporadically uses Ulsan for home games.

Here are the fixtures in Munsu.

BG Pathum United Tuesday, September 19th 19:00 (TBD for all 3)

Johor Darul Ta'zim Tuesday, October 24th 19:00

Kawasaki Frontale Wednesday, December 13th 19:00

Pohang Steelers, finally, are Asian Royalty. Their three championships are bettered by no one in Korea and they made the final on their last appearance, in 2021. The Steel Yard is another K League venue that should be on every football fan's bucket list and the proximity of the pitch to the fans will likely intimidate many traveling players. Pohang finished third last season in K League 1.

The Steelers are in Group J, which looks the most exciting and difficult to call. Progress looks within Pohang's capabilities but will likely hinge on how many points Pohang accumulates on the road. Urawa Red Diamonds (defending champion), Wuhan Three Towns (Chinese Super League winners), and Hanoi FC (V.League 1 champion) will provide the opposition and some brilliant away trips.

The Steel Yard. A stadium that should be visited at least once if you're in Korea.

Pohang Steel Yard

The Steel Yard opened in 1990 becoming the first football-specific stadium in Korea. The 17,000-capacity is small by K League 1 standards but the atmosphere generated is one of the best. The sidelines are only 4 meters from the first row of seats. There are four equal-sized double-tiered stands with safe standing behind one of the goals. The upper tier is really steep, which creates the stadium's intimidating atmosphere.

Pohang is a great stadium to wander around. Buy a ticket for whatever section, up or down, and walk the four sides. The noise rising from the North Stand is impressive, but so is the view from the pathways on the upper tier at the back. The worst seats are at the back of the lower tier because the overhanging blocks feel claustrophobic and can impact sight lines.

Pohang Steelers versus Urawa Red Diamonds appears to be the most intriguing game in the group stages. Here are Pohang's home fixtures.

Wuhan Three Towns Wednesday, October 4th 19:00

Urawa Red Diamonds Tuesday, November 7th 19:00

Hanoi FC November, Tuesday 28th 19:00

Due to the midweek kick-offs and location of my house, I'm hoping to see two of Incheon's home games and Pohang's potential classic with Urawa Red Diamonds. Wherever you go, don't forget to download Futbology, check-in and shares photos of AFC Champions League games in K League stadiums!