Korean Baseball Game | Cheerleader Edition


This past June, we were able to go to one more Korean baseball game. Thankfully, Jeff has a lot of friends and was able to ask his friend, Crystal, to get us tickets on the Lotte Giants side. We were so close to the cheerleaders this time. We were only two rows behind the stage, so if we turned around, we could see everything up close and personal! It was the last time that we would ever go to a Korean baseball game, so we wanted to make sure this one was the best!

Lotte Giants Hype Man!
Look at all the guys staring and filming.
Oh snap.
Meow Meow

I know there are heaps of cheerleader pics, but I was completely in awe. I can't believe that they even had them. It's such a weird concept. I think it actually added something special and maybe they should add them to American baseball games. Every time the hype man and the girls came out, the crowd went wild. Since we were in front of the stage, we had to turn around. If you faced the field, all you see is a sea of smiling faces. What's even more amazing is that the women turn into fangirls and get more excited than the guys. It's pretty awesome.



We even had a chance to see a guy propose to his girlfriend. Of course, she accepted and the whole thing was really sweet. She was crying and when she said yes, he kept kissing her. It's pretty cool that he proposed to her at a game and I'm sure it's something they will always remember.


At the end of the game, they passed around the trash bags and Crystal was able to make mine into a bow. At first, I had no idea what she was doing. When I finally realized she was making a bow, I freaked out. I always see the girls with them and I get so jealous. I was excited to be able to have my very own trash bag bow! It was the real Korean baseball game experience. 

When we left and were walking toward the subway, a guy started walking toward us. I saw that he had a snake around his neck and started to run in the opposite direction. Then I remembered who I was married to and walked toward the guy. Markus loves all animals and as soon as he saw that snake his face lit up. The guy immediately put the snake on him and Markus was so happy. Then the guy tried to put it on me and I screamed. I think it wasn't the best of ways to end such an awesome day, but it definitely was unique. I'm so thankful for Jeff and Crystal. Because of them, Markus and I were able to experience something unforgettable!

Eats with Jeff #10: Baseball Stadium Food


When you go to a Korean baseball game, you can bring in any food that you want.  It's pretty amazing what you can bring. Before the game, masses of people go to Homeplus, a Korean version of Walmart. We've also gone to Homeplus and the amount of people is overwhelming. Everyone is clamoring to get pizzas, chicken and more. It's incredible seeing people walk into the stadium with boxes and coolers stuffed with food and drinks. I don't know where they put the food, because the aisles are tiny and there isn't much leg room. Some people get creative. I saw one group put their cooler in a seat, which meant they bought a ticket just for the food!


I'm so excited for fried chicken!
Kimbap
Never buy fried chicken from the ahjummas on the street!
Dried Squid!
Look at that delicious fried goodness.

We tried to be creative with the food that we brought to the games. Some things you can get in America, but some you can't. I do think we went a bit overboard because we just kept eating and eating. Although, it was nothing compared to what I saw other Koreans eat. Games usually run for three to four hours, so Koreans come prepared. They bring enough food to feed a classroom of kids. In some cases, they bring enough to share with people around them. We had a few guys feeding me all sorts of things. It's not unusual to make friends with those seated around you. I love that about Korean people. They are always ready to share a shot of soju or a chicken wing. It's great part of their culture and made the experience that much better!

I can't believe we brought a whole pizza!
Blood Sausage and Liver
Someone is excited!

Korean Baseball Game | Lotte Giants vs Samsung Lions


I have to admit, I'm not a fan of baseball. I'm not really a sports person. When I was younger, I used to love sports. I would watch basketball and football games with my dad. On Sundays after church, we used to eat fried chicken in front of our TV and watch the Bucs demolish the other team. Once I started high school, I fell out of love with sports. Although, when it comes to going to actual sports events, I really enjoy them. I've been to a few baseball games back home and I've always had a great time. I always enjoy the atmosphere of baseball games more than the game itself. In Korea, baseball games are just as fun, but for other reasons.

Lotte Giants Thundersticks!
Drinking beer with straws. Keepin' it classy, Busan.

The baseball games in Korea are pretty awesome and they have to be experienced to fully understand. Every team has their die hard fans and they are serious about their passion for their beloved team. Although, unlike other countries, they are very respectful towards others fans and teams. There aren't any kind of riots or fights. Every team has their own specific cheers. Every chance they get, the fans can be heard chanting and encouraging their team. It's really amazing listening to a full stadium sing the same thing. One thing we didn't get to see up close were the cheerleaders. The home team has a stage with a team of cheerleaders and seriously intense hype man. We could only see their tiny little bodies jumping around. Hopefully, we'll be able to see them up close one day.


Towards the end of the game, they pass around bright orange bags for trash. Somehow, it became a tradition to wear it on top of your head like a hat. It's a bit strange, but this is quintessential Korea. It was pretty awesome seeing an entire stadium full of people wearing orange trash bags on their heads and cheering for their team. It was a great experience and a sight that I will never forget. I don't think I will ever enjoy another baseball game as much as I enjoyed this one.