Korea Cup
The Korea Cup, officially the KFA FA Cup, is South Korea's premier knockout football competition organized by the Korea Football Association (KFA). It brings together clubs from K League 1 and 2, lower-tier leagues, and amateur sides, fostering underdog stories and thrilling encounters. Kicking off in April with preliminary rounds and culminating in a November final, it captivates fans with its high-stakes, single-elimination format.
History and foundation
Launched in 1992 as the KFA FA Cup, the tournament aimed to boost domestic football's competitiveness. Ilhwa Chunma (now FC Seoul) claimed the inaugural title. Highlights include underdogs reaching deep runs, like Gimpo FC's 2012 quarterfinal heroics against top-tier teams. It's weathered economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming with renewed vigor. A fun fact: Pohang Steelers hold the record with six wins, including back-to-back triumphs in 1997-98.
Tournament format
Pure knockout from the round of 32 to the final: ties are settled by extra time and penalties, no replays. Around 60-70 teams enter, from elites to K4 League amateurs and university squads. Early rounds are regional; later stages neutral. The champion pockets a 200 million won prize (about $150K) and a spot in the AFC Champions League Two, incentivizing heavyweights.
Interesting facts
Known for goal-fests, averaging over 2.8 goals per game due to open play and lower-league boldness. All-time top scorer Lee Dong-gook with 25 goals; Son Heung-min (14) and Kim Shin-il follow. Stars who've shone: Park Ji-sung's 2001 final winner for Pohang; Lee Chun-soo in the 2000s; recent standouts like Hwang Ui-jo (Ulsan) and Cho Gue-sung (Ansan). In 2023, Jeonbuk's young Jeong Seok-hyeon netted a hat-trick upset.