Paju City Officially Announces Paju Citizen Football Club's Entry into K League 2
Application for Membership Submitted...
"2026 Is the Optimal Time"
Paju City in Gyeonggi Province has officially announced that Paju Citizen Football Club will enter the K League 2 (the second division of professional football) for the 2026 season.
On July 1, Paju City stated that it had submitted its application for K League 2 membership to the Korea Professional Football League on June 26. Mayor Kim Kyungil emphasized, "2026 is truly the optimal time for promotion to K League 2."
During a response to a policy inquiry at the 247th regular session of the Paju City Council held on June 30, Mayor Kim explained the background and necessity of pursuing entry into K League 2. He stated, "Promotion of Paju Citizen Football Club to K League 2 is not merely a sports achievement, but a strategic task that will dramatically enhance the city's competitiveness." He added, "It is a complex public investment that spans various fields such as culture, sports, tourism, industry, and youth employment."
Mayor Kim presented three reasons why 2026 is the optimal time for entry.
First, over the past three years, the average attendance for Paju Citizen Football Club has increased by more than 60%, with a noticeable expansion of family and youth fan bases, and the core fan base has been growing steadily and stably.
Second, with the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2026, domestic football enthusiasm is expected to reach its peak. Entering K League 2 during this period is anticipated to expand public interest, attract sponsors, and have a multifaceted effect on revitalizing the culture and tourism industries.
Third, as a new utilization plan for the National Football Center (NFC)?whose usage agreement ended in 2024?is being developed, this presents an opportunity to accelerate strategies such as establishing a dedicated training facility, operating a youth academy, and attracting off-season training camps.
Mayor Kim also dismissed concerns about financial burden. He said, "Currently, the club relies on city subsidies, but upon promotion to K League 2, we can establish a self-sustaining structure through sponsorships, ticket and broadcasting revenue, income from using NFC facilities, and corporate support." He added, "We also expect to create approximately 390 jobs over the next five years."
According to the city, Paju Citizen Football Club's entry into K League 2 is a strategic decision aimed at boosting the pride of Paju's 530,000 citizens and elevating the city's brand value. Additionally, by expanding professional football infrastructure?which is currently concentrated in southern Gyeonggi Province?into northern Gyeonggi, and utilizing the Paju NFC facilities previously used by the national team, the city believes it can operate a robust professional football club, which led to the push for K League 2 entry.
After officially expressing its intention to turn professional to the Korea Professional Football League in April, the city completed an inspection of Paju Stadium. On April 30, it also hired two professionals with extensive experience in founding professional teams to prepare the club's management structure.
In particular, Paju City plans to convert the NFC facilities, previously used by the national team, into auxiliary facilities for the professional team after entering K League 2. In 2026, the senior team and front office will relocate, and in 2027, all youth teams?including U-12, U-15, and U-18?will be able to train together at this integrated football hub. Additionally, football events and revenue models for local residents will be pursued in parallel.
Kim Jungyeol, chairman of Paju Citizen Football Club, stated, "With the submission of the membership application, we have taken the first step toward entering K League 2, and we will mobilize all available resources to do our utmost to secure approval for Paju Citizen Football Club's entry into K League 2."
Meanwhile, Paju Citizen Football Club, founded in 2012, was promoted directly to the K3 League after winning the K4 League in 2020. If the club succeeds in entering professional football this time, it will become the first case in K League history to be promoted from K3 League Basic (fifth tier) to K League 2 (second division).
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