Visiting the Seoul World Cup Stadium (also known as Sangam Stadium) in 2005 would have been a fascinating time to see it. It was only three years after the legendary 2002 FIFA World Cup, so the energy and "Red Devils" fever were still very much a part of the atmosphere.
When I was there in 2005, I remember some of these highlights:
1. The Legacy of 2002
By 2005, the stadium had firmly established itself as a landmark. We saw the iconic roof, which was designed by Ryu Choon-soo, to look like a traditional Korean kite. It was built to represent Korea’s "flight" into the 21st century.
2. Major Events in 2005
The stadium was very active that year. Among the events in 2005 :
- World Cup Qualifiers: In February 2005, South Korea played a massive World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, winning 2-0. Legends like Park Ji-sung were at the height of their popularity.
- The Unification Match: On August 14, 2005, there was a historic "Inter-Korean" friendly match between South Korea and North Korea to celebrate the 60th anniversary of liberation.
- K-League Growth: 2005 was only the second year that FC Seoul called the stadium their permanent home after moving from Anyang.
3. The "Football Faentasium" & Museum
Even if there wasn't a game, many visitors in 2005 went for the World Cup Museum. It was filled with memorabilia from the 2002 run—Guus Hiddink’s notes, the players' jerseys, and the massive screens replaying the goals against Italy and Spain.
4. A Multi-purpose Complex
One of the unique things about the Seoul stadium compared to others in Europe or South America is that it’s also a shopping mall! You might remember the Homeplus supermarket or the CGV Cinema located right inside the stadium structure—a very futuristic concept at the time.
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In the FIFA Museum I was standing next to a life-sized mural of the 2002 South Korean National Team, which was the centerpiece of the museum during my 2005 visit.
That team is legendary because they became the first Asian team to ever reach a World Cup semi-final.
Key Players in your Photo:
- The Captain: In the back row (third from left, #4) is Choi Jin-cheul, a rock in the defense.
- The Legend: Right next to your shoulder (#20) is Hong Myung-bo, the captain and one of the greatest Asian players of all time. He famously scored the winning penalty against Spain to put them in the semi-finals.
- The Midfield Maestro: In the front row (second from left, #7) is Kim Nam-il, known for his tough playing style.
- The Goal Scorers: You can also see Lee Young-pyo (#10, far left) and Seol Ki-hyeon (#9, front right), both of whom went on to have big careers in the English Premier League.
A Snapshot in Time
By the time of my visit in 2005, many of these players had become national heroes. The mural was a popular spot for visitors because it allowed fans to feel like they were part of the "Starting XI."
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, KL
31/12/2025: 3.16 p.m
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