Guoan Fan Cheering Group's Seoul Match Report (Photos)

The reporter accompanied the Beijing Guoan Football Team fan cheering group to Seoul's Sangam World Cup Stadium in South Korea twice, in May 2013 and April 2014, to cheer for Guoan's away AFC Champions League match against FC Seoul. Each trip was a six-day, unforgettable journey of cheering and sightseeing.

Gathering at Workers' Stadium (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The first departure from Beijing was on May 19, 2013. At 4:00 PM that day, the reporter, along with a hundred fans selected from all over the capital to join the "Guoan Cheering Group," gathered at Beijing Workers' Stadium. Before departure, all the fans took their first group photo in front of a banner bearing the event's theme, "Fight for Dreams, Fight for Victory." Then they boarded four buses and, singing all the way, headed to Tianjin Airport.

Group Photo Before Departure (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

At noon on May 20, the Guoan fan group flew from Tianjin Binhai International Airport to Incheon Airport in South Korea. Upon arrival, Gao Chao, then General Manager of Beijing Guoan Football Club, personally came to the airport to welcome the fans and took commemorative photos with the Guoan fan cheering group. The fans warmly welcomed him, expressing their full support for the Beijing Guoan team in their away match against FC Seoul, promising to "cheer civilly! Support Beijing Guoan! Applaud the efforts of both teams!"

Heading to the Hotel (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The Guoan fan cheering group traveled from the airport to their hotel, the Seoul Olympic Parktel. This hotel is a legacy of the 24th Seoul Olympic Games. Its building was designed by architect Kim Seok-cheol, known for his work on the Art and Design Center. The overall structure consists of two circles connected to form a plane, symbolizing the number "8" in the year 1988, when the Olympics were held.

Olympic Hotel (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

That afternoon, the fans began sightseeing in Seoul. Li Bin, the team leader for the reporter's group, was courteous, gentle, and meticulous. He worked closely with the local Seoul guide, Mr. Kim, who quickly bonded with the fans. Together, they served the group. Under Mr. Kim's guidance, they first visited the famous Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

Seoul Gwanghwamun Square

The 600-year-old central district of Seoul, Gwanghwamun, is backed by the beautiful and majestic Bukhansan Mountain and the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was restored as a historical and cultural experience center based on the old appearance of the Six Ministries Street (Yukjogeori), a street created during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon (1392–1398) when Hanyang (Seoul) was built. This street is an important relic for understanding road construction methods of the Joseon period.

Bronze Statues on the Square (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Walking up the winding slope of Haechi Square, you can see bronze statues of King Sejong the Great and General Yi Sun-sin from the Joseon Dynasty on Gwanghwamun Square. Around them are various fountains, some on the ground and some mirror-like. Looking left and right from the statues, you see waterways flowing along the old Yukjogeori. The waterways are inscribed with key events in Korean history from 1392, the founding of Joseon, to 2008. The water flows into Cheonggyecheon Stream after merging with the fountains.

Seoul Cheonggyecheon Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Cheonggyecheon is a landscape combining nature and culture. It is a river that runs through Seoul from north to south. However, in the past, Cheonggyecheon was severely polluted by sludge, garbage, and sewage from ramshackle wooden huts built along its banks. After years of renovation, it has been restored to its current clean and pleasant appearance.

Reporter at Cheonggyecheon (Photo by Zhu Yang)

Today, Cheonggyecheon has clear and beautiful water. The banks not only provide comfortable leisure spaces but also display excellent pictures and paintings. It truly offers a place to experience culture, get close to nature, and observe and learn about ecology. Walking along Cheonggyecheon, you see parents strolling with their children, young couples dipping their feet in the water and chatting on the banks, relaxed and carefree. The stream is adorned with various uniquely shaped bridges, which contrast nicely with the rows of towering skyscrapers on both sides.

Group Photo at Cheonggyecheon (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The fans wandered here, constantly clicking their cameras. They also unfurled their green banner reading "Guoan Always Strives for First Place" and struck various happy poses, capturing unforgettable moments.

Streetscape (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

After visiting Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon, the fan group continued by bus to the nearby Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace. After getting off the bus, they walked along an extremely quiet street. The Blue House is the official residence of the South Korean president, its roof covered with blue tiles, hence the name. The road between the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace is called Blue House Road.

View of Blue House Road (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Because this is a special area, the atmosphere feels different from other streets. The street is unusually quiet with few vehicles. Due to the president's residence, security is very tight. Security personnel in suits or uniforms stand along the road, creating a solemn atmosphere. There are no shops and few pedestrians, making it very peaceful.

Blue House Guesthouse (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

At the square where Hyoja-ro and Blue House Road intersect, there is a phoenix statue symbolizing the head of state. Around the circular lawn are several groups of human sculptures. The reporter noticed a sculpture of a family of three, vividly depicting harmony and happiness in the family. Continuing past the square leads to the Blue House. The Blue House faces the rear gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Sinmumun Gate. Originally a detached palace of the Goryeo Dynasty, after the Joseon Dynasty established Hanyang (Seoul) as its capital in 1426, it became a rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Buildings such as Nongmu Hall, Gyeongnongjae, and a training ground were constructed, along with a patch of land personally farmed by the king.

Entering Gyeongbokgung Palace (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The Blue House roof has about 150,000 blue tiles, which have not faded despite over a hundred years of weathering. The main building is a two-story structure housing the president's office, the first lady's office, the reception hall called Inshil, and a dining room called Baegak Room for about ten people. The left annex is the Sejong Room for meetings and receptions, and the right annex is the General Affairs Office. Since it was not a public open day, the fans did not enter the Blue House. Instead, they entered Gyeongbokgung Palace through Sinmumun Gate and toured the Korean Folk Museum inside the palace and the ancient architectural complex similar to Beijing's Forbidden City.

Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the five grand palaces of Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) and was the main palace. Located at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain, it was the core of Seoul's urban planning. The name "Gyeongbokgung" was coined by Jeong Do-jeon, a founding contributor of the Joseon Dynasty, based on the phrase "gyeongbok" from the Chinese classic "Book of Songs": "May the lord enjoy ten thousand years of blessings." Built in 1395 by King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, the founder of Joseon, when he moved the capital from Goryeo, the palace has a history of 500 years.

A Corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Gyeongbokgung Palace, also called "Northern Palace," is one of Seoul's largest and oldest palaces, serving as the political center of late Joseon feudal society. The fans toured the palace, and through the easy-to-understand explanations of guide Mr. Kim, they gained a certain understanding of Korean history, which they found very beneficial.

Imjingak Pavilion (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

On the morning of May 21, the fans continued their sightseeing in Seoul. First, they took a bus to Imjingak Pavilion near the DMZ. Imjingak is a security tourist attraction built in 1972 to pray for the unification of the Korean Peninsula. It is located 7 km south of the Military Demarcation Line and about 54 km northwest of Seoul City Hall. It is the northernmost point accessible to ordinary people. Imjingak has one basement floor and three above-ground floors, comprising a memorial hall, a unification park, and various monuments. There was also a sign promoting tours to Panmunjom.

Overlooking Imjingak (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Around Imjingak, there are altars called Mangbaedan for looking toward hometowns and expressing longing for ancestors, an exhibition hall displaying over 400 items of various materials and photos related to North Korean military, politics, society, etc., along with a Peace Bell, Peace Garden, Imjin River Battle Monument, U.S. Participation Monument, and tanks and aircraft used during the Korean War.

Reporter at Imjingak (Photo by Zhu Yang)

There is also the Freedom Bridge, "Railway Dream Run (breakpoint of the Gyeongui Line)," and a memorial pagoda for diplomats killed in the Myanmar Aungsan bombing. It is a security tourist site that commemorates the pain of war and division, exuding a strong desire for unification.

Panmunjom Promotion Sign (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Opposite Imjingak, Mangbaedan is a place where displaced people pay respects to their hometowns every Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Behind Mangbaedan is the Freedom Bridge, where North Korea repatriated South Korean prisoners after the armistice in 1953.

Colorful Ribbons (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

At Imjingak, one can see South Korean soldiers in twos and threes, as well as colorful ribbons hanging on the barbed wire, reflecting the connection to war.

Fans Taking Photos (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Standing on the high platform at Imjingak, the fans could clearly observe North Korea through high-powered telescopes. The reporter, letting his imagination roam, felt deeply how important it is to cherish the hard-won peace in a place far from the smoke of war...

Kimchi School Class (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The fans' experience in Seoul was truly rich and varied. After visiting Imjingak, they went to the Goyang Kimchi School in Seoul to experience making kimchi and wearing Korean traditional clothing. This gave them a more direct and deeper understanding of Korean food culture, which was a lot of fun.

Fans Making Kimchi (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

At Goyang Kimchi School, after seeing introductions about the nutritional value of kimchi, they were dazzled by the many types and methods of making kimchi! It was amazing that such a simple food could be a cultural symbol. Then, the fans sincerely became students. Under the teacher's step-by-step guidance, each fan carefully completed their own "first work" of kimchi. Moreover, when they learned that all the kimchi they made would be collected and donated by the school to local welfare homes for the elderly, the fans were very moved. They felt happy and joyful to participate in a public welfare activity through their labor in a foreign country.

Olympic Park Scenery (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

After the Goyang Kimchi School experience, Mr. Kim took the group to visit the Samsung Electronics Experience Exhibition Hall in a brief free moment. There, the fans experienced the charm of modern electronic products. Then, the most exciting moment finally arrived: the entire group headed to Sangam Stadium, which had hosted the World Cup, to watch the evening's main event—Guoan vs. FC Seoul.

Entering Sangam Stadium (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Seoul Sangam World Cup Stadium is located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is a football-specific stadium built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and opened in December 2001. Its unique architectural style is famous. In 2003, the British Construction Industry Training Board, through the world football magazine "World Soccer," ranked Seoul World Cup Stadium as one of the world's top ten "most exciting stadiums," describing it as "many football stadiums have transcended themselves to become architecturally stunning objects."

Reporter Outside the Stadium (Photo by Zhu Yang)

Seen from the air, Seoul World Cup Stadium resembles a traditional kite and sailboat shape. The overall design symbolizes flying a kite toward victory, combining Korean traditional culture with the World Cup, embodying the beauty of the stadium. It can hold 67,000 people, making it one of the largest football-specific venues in Asia.

Reporter Inside the Stadium (Photo by Zhu Yang)

It was also the venue for the opening ceremony and the first match of the 2002 World Cup—France vs. Senegal—as well as the semifinal match between South Korea and Germany. After the 2002 World Cup, the stadium continued to be used for South Korean national team matches. Since 2004, it has been the home stadium of FC Seoul.

Group Photo with Fans (Photo by Li Bin)

Upon arriving at the stadium, although there was still some time before kickoff, the fans could not contain their excitement. They took commemorative photos with the Sangam Stadium in the background, holding cheering banners and scarves. Some fans even had national flags or Guoan logos printed on their faces. Standing among them, you could deeply feel their fiery passion and thrilling excitement! They came for football, for Guoan, for dreams, and for victory!

Holding a Cheering Banner (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Finally, it was time to enter the stadium. For the reporter, this was not the first time cheering for Guoan in an away match. On October 8, 1995, the reporter had accompanied Guoan fans on a ferry from Tianjin Tanggu to Dalian to watch Guoan's away match against Dalian, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Although the outcome of this match was unknown, the feeling of cheering for Guoan in a foreign country was incomparable! The jubilant and thrilling scene was so powerful that it swept you away, making you one of them!

Guoan Players Entering the Field (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

The Guoan players entered the field, and the Guoan fan group wildly raised their hands, shouting encouragement! The players came to the side of the fan section and bowed collectively to thank the fans who had traveled so far. This prompted another round of deafening cheers. The names of Guoan players like Xu Yunlong, Yang Zhi, and Darko Matić were shouted in chorus by the fans.

Cheering for Guoan (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Although most of these fans were hard to name, the reporter wanted to learn about their feelings as Guoan fans. Through brief interviews with an older fan, Zhao Wancai, a taxi driver by profession, and a younger fan, Zhu Yang, who worked at a foreign company, he learned that watching Guoan football matches had become an indispensable hobby in their lives.

Jubilant Scene (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

Their many match-going experiences earned the reporter's respect and deeply moved him with their unwavering devotion to Guoan. Although Guoan lost the match that night, the reporter heard very few curses from the fans directed at the players. Instead, when the downcast Guoan players came to thank the fans after the match, they were met with warm cheers and encouragement. This may well be the style and quality of the Guoan travel fan cheering group.

Amusement Park (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

On May 22, after the most important activity of cheering for Guoan, the fans continued their two-day sightseeing tour of Seoul. They visited an amusement park, saw the Seoul Tower, and explored the Seonyudo Ecological Park. They also went to the famous Myeongdong shopping district and Walkerhill, Asia's first integrated resort combining food, leisure, entertainment, and shopping, fully enjoying the pleasures of dining, entertainment, and shopping.

Korean Hot Pot (Photo by Feng Ganyong)

After successfully concluding the entire itinerary, the Guoan travel fan cheering group began their return journey on the afternoon of May 24. Though only six days, the reporter saw that the fans had become like a family, getting along harmoniously and joyfully. Perhaps this is the principle: "Fans of the world are one family." At farewell, the reporter saw many fans promising to return next year to cheer for Guoan if they had the chance. The reporter believes: Although winning or losing a match is important, having such devoted fans who give selflessly without expecting anything in return is the most important thing. They are a rare and valuable asset... (Text and photos by Feng Ganyong)