Free Admission for Soldiers Sparks Criticism as "Isn't This Leaving the Military Area?" at Seoul World Cup Stadium

Refused Entry for Not Listing Soccer Viewing as Reason for Going Out
Denied Stadium Entry, Then Bought Ticket with Money

During a professional soccer match, military personnel who were eligible for free admission were denied entry by the stadium staff and ended up paying to watch the game. On the online civil complaint platform 'Citizen's Voice' operated by the Seoul Facilities Corporation, a complaint regarding this issue was posted on the 19th. A soldier named Park stated, "On Sunday the 19th, five soldiers went out on weekend leave to watch the FC Seoul vs Daegu FC match, lined up, and went to buy tickets."

On the 19th, a professional soccer match between FC Seoul and Daegu FC at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The FC Seoul club offers free admission benefits to active-duty soldiers and professional military personnel, as well as one accompanying person, so if military status is verified at the ticket booth, they can receive free tickets. According to this policy, Park and his colleagues should have been able to enter the north free seating area of Seoul World Cup Stadium for free. However, the stadium staff refused their free admission. Park said, "I was sure that if I verified I was a soldier, the ticket would be free, but when I showed my leave pass, the staff suddenly asked if I was leaving the assigned military area."

He continued, "When I said I was inside the assigned area and it was not a problem, they rejected me saying that the reason for leave had to state 'watching a soccer game' to receive a ticket," adding, "I don't think such a rule existed, but they told me to bring proof that the leave was for watching soccer." The assigned military area refers to a region where military units require active-duty soldiers to remain continuously to maintain order and safety. Soldiers are not allowed to leave this area when going out on leave or overnight leave in preparation for emergencies. However, this assigned area policy was abolished in 2019 as part of the Moon Jae-in administration's defense reform.

FC Seoul offers free admission benefits to active-duty soldiers and professional military personnel, as well as one accompanying person. Tickets can be obtained at the box office upon verification of military status.
[Photo by Seoul Facilities Corporation]

Park and his group were denied entry to the stadium for unclear reasons and then purchased tickets by paying. He said, "The line was long and it was hot, so I got annoyed and entered after buying tickets." The Seoul World Cup Stadium management responded to Park's complaint on the 20th, stating, "After confirming with the club, soldiers can watch the game with just a leave pass and ID, and if there was any misinformation regarding this, we will strengthen the training of our staff." They also expressed their sincere apologies, saying, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused during your use of Seoul World Cup Stadium."