Created to bring a higher level of competition to the semi-professional teams directly below the level of the fully professional K-League, the National League is continuing to grow in stature and size with membership expanded to fourteen sides in the 2008 season.

Though officially a closed league with no relegation and no direct promotion, the champions of the National League had, since 2006, been eligible for promotion to the K-League provided they met certain financial requirements for entry to the professional league. Goyang Kookmin Bank, champions in 2006, and Ulsan Mipo Dockyard, the 2007 champions, both rejected the chance to step up to the top division, citing financial concerns as the major factor. The conditional promotion system was ended prior to the start of the 2008 season.

Use the links below to find out more about the current member clubs.