Gangneung City lifted the 2009 National League championship as they recorded a 3-2 victory in the second leg of the championship playoff final against Gimhae FC, wrapping up their first league triumph in their nine year history 4-2 on aggregate.

Having notched up a 1-0 victory away from home in the first leg, Gangneung looked to have settled things in the 22nd minute of the match as Nam Il-kyun drilled home to make the aggregate score 2-0. Nine minutes after half-time however, Gimhae hit back through Choi Hyung-joon and the visitors began to press for a second that would put them ahead on away goals.

Gangneung forward Ko Min-ki, previously a championship winner during his time at Goyang Kookmin Bank, restored his side's advantage on the night in the 74th minute, and then Nam wrapped up the scoring for the home side two minutes from time. Although Jo Jae-hyun pulled a goal back for Gimhae deep into stoppage time, Gangneung held out for victory on the night and claimed the title.

National League Playoff Semi-final (November 14th)
Gimhae 2-1 Suwon City
Changwon City 1-3 Gangneung City

Playoff Final First Leg (Nov 18)
Gimhae 0-1 Gangneung City

Playoff Final Second Leg (Nov 22)
Gangneung City 3-2 Gimhae

Gangneung win 4-2 on aggregate