Korean Baseball and Nightlife
On Saturday I was invited to go watch a Korean baseball game. Since I’d never watched a live game and had a vague idea that it would be a massively fun thing to do I said yes right away.
Actually, when I arrived in Korea I decided to adopt a YES MAN mentality where I go ahead and do everything and anything that presents itself. This attitude is a great one to towards most things in life (unless it’s, say, heroin) but in Korea particularly it opens you up to A LOT of weird and wonderful experiences. It’s an attitude that’s definitely worth adopting here.
Like I expected, the game was awesome. We also went out and explored Daejeon’s surreal nightlife afterwards. Watch the video before I break it down in detail. Make sure you check it out in HD 🙂
[youtube BmHCkdaVkro 640 360]
Nice.
Hope that gave you a cool taste of what a Korean baseball is like.
As we mentioned in the video, the downtown nightlife in Korean cities will melt your brain a little. You can also check out this video where we explore Itaewon’s famous forienger-friendly nightlife.
So…
Why go to a Korean baseball game?
Firstly, if you’re a fan of baseball then that’s an easy one. Koreans love their baseball and it’s probably the most popular sport in Korea, with soccer coming in as a close second.
That means there’s a competitive league here, passionate fans and a big baseball culture to boot.
Even if you know nothing about baseball, like myself, it’s pretty damn fun. In fact, I learned all the basics and got really into it within the space of one game. I even taught a lesson on baseball to my students this week.
That being said, a few of the people I went with had no interest in the sport at all. If you’re one of those people, then don’t worry, there’s still loads to do:
Eat and drink
Korean baseball stadiums allow you to bring in your own food and drink. This is beyond cool, as watching live games back home always involved buying ridiculously expensive booze and chow .
Bring in your own fried chicken, mekju (beer) and soju (embalming fluid) and have a moment of pure happiness at how cheap stuff is in Korea.
You can also pick up some Kimbap from a 7/11 like we did in the video. Kimbap is a great, cheap and healthy on-th-fly food. You can get a roll for about 1500 won ($1.50)
The EXCITEMENT ZONE
This is an area in the stadium that’s just… happening. There’s constant music, chanting, skantily clad cheerleaders and a pumped up atmosphere.
We didn’t go in the EXCITEMENT ZONE this time but it’s so happening next time. Looks amazing.
Pre-gaming before hitting the town
Like I mentioned you can bring in your own drinks. This means things can get rather festive. It’s the perfect warm up for hitting the downtown area of whatever city you’re in.
Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it’s a great atmosphere and an amazing way to start off an evening. Head out to dinner afterwards or grab some coffee at one of the many downtown cafe’s and enjoy the post-game buzz.
Overall it’s a great experience and I highly recommend doing it at least once if you’re in Korea. One of the many reasons why teaching English in Korea is awesome.
Also, be a yes-man 😉
Got any stories or comments about Korean Baseball? Drop a line in the comments section. I reply to all your comments.
Very cool post. Liked the music and slice of life in Korea. Great work on the post-prod. Would be cool if you had a few questions to ask people when you’re out and about to further the narrative. Viewers love to hear what people on the street think and their perspective.
Yes! Was actually disappointed I didn’t do that for this one because that’s definitely the kind of stuff I want to be doing.
Going to a lantern festival this weekend which’ll make for a cool vid.
You know, I’ve been to more hockey games in Korea than baseball. How does that happen? Yeah, the games are fantastic here.
Interesting, will have to go to one of those.
These games turn to a blur pretty fast and that’s always fun, right?
Hey! Another nice video and post by Ninja Teacher! And again, I’m at home on a Saturday night having a few beers, unable to go out myself but vicariously living through you. I really like your editing… the cuts, the shots, the music, what you left in and, although it wasn’t shown, what you left out. I know it’s hard to find the right balance of all these things but yours was perfect. I felt like I was there. You showed the highlights and gave us a great taste of what it was like going out… down to the hanging out on the street with your friends telling an anecdote.
I feel like you’re making these just for me. Thanks!
And there is no better combination than going to a ball game, getting lit, then going out that night with your friends. Sounds so PERFECT! And I’m glad you shared it in such a great way. It makes me with I had made a video of my experiences, too.
Technical question.. did you mount a camera to the top of your head and if so, what kind of reaction did you get from bystanders and friends?
I haven’t made it to a baseball game in Korea yet, but I’ve been to a hockey match and a few soccer games; the atmosphere is always electric. Great fun and super nice to be able to bring in food and drink from the outside. Good post!
Great vid such cool editing!
Man korean nightlife looks so amazing!
wanna see more what the locals are like – interview some cute korean girls! 🙂
well done bro!