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K-League

The K-League

From an initial five sides in 1983 the K-League has expanded its membership to the fifteen clubs in the competition today. Busan, Jeju and Pohang remain as the only three sides to have competed in every season of the K-League.

Former member and inaugural champions Hallelujah currently play in the National League along with the reincarnation of former K-League side Kookmin Bank. Hanil Bank, members from 1984-1986 still compete in the amateur ranks but Cheonbuk Buffalo folded after their sole season in the league and their place was taken by the current side from Jeolla province.

At present membership is by application only, and subject to meeting strict requirements in terms of operating structure and financial commitment. Plans to promote the National League champions of 2006 and 2007 faltered because the sides eligible for promotion, Goyang Kookmin Bank in 2006 and Ulsan Mipo Dockyard in 2007, opted against stepping up to the top division.

Use the links below to find out more about the present K-League members.

K-League member clubs

Busan I'Park
Chunnam Dragons
Daegu FC
Daejeon Citizen
FC Seoul
Gangwon FC
Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix
Gyeongnam FC
Incheon United
Jeju United
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Pohang Steelers
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i

The 2010 Season

In 2010 the K-League will operate a full league system with each team playing a total of 28 matches, however the league champion will be decided through a playoff system involving the top six clubs at the end of the season.
The playoffs begin with the fourth taking on fifth and third taking on sixth, with the winners of the ties squaring off for the right to take on the second overall side. The winner of that final match will then progress to the two-legged championship final where they will face the first overall team, with the aggregate winners crowned champions.

K-League starts: February 27th, 2010
Playoffs: Begin November 20th
Final: Second leg on December 5th