WK League News

The basics

Full team name: Sejong Sportstoto Women’s Football Club
Established: 2011
Home ground: Sejong Civic Stadium
Manager: Yoon Deokyeo
Leadership team: Kim Doyeon (captain); Shin Damyeong, Jo Minah (vice-captains)

The 2025 season

WK League: 5th place (36 points, 9W 9D 10L)
National Women’s Football Championship: Knocked out in semi-finals by Hwacheon KSPO
National Sports Festival: Knocked out in semi-finals by Hwacheon KSPO

What went well: Sportstoto were a well-organised and consistent side, finishing a respectable fifth in the WK League table and making it to the semi-finals of both non-league tournaments. They only lost four times at home, holding some of the division’s strongest teams to draws even when they couldn’t quite snatch the win. This record is a testament to the lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds at Sejong, as well as to the team themselves.

What didn’t go well: Sejong started the year aiming to qualify for the playoff for the first time in nearly ten years, but by the end of the season they were twelve points behind third-placed Incheon Hyundai. Getting into the top three was always a very optimistic target, and talk of the playoff faded as the season went on.

2026 squad

Out: Jung Seolbin, Jo Haneul (retired); Lee Hyokyung (Gangjin Swans); Kang Jiwoo, Kim Soojin, Park Hyejung, Park Mideum (Incheon Hyundai); Lee Chae-eun (FA)
In: Lee Harim, Ko Minjeong (Gangjin Swans); Seo Ari (Gyeongju KHNP); Oh Yeonhee (Incheon Hyundai); Kim Miyeon, Park Heeyoung (Seoul City); Kim Yoonju (Vasa IFK); Lee Jeongin (Daeduk University); Yoon Minji
Returning players: Kim Sohee, Ryu Jisoo, Kim Youmi, Kim Jiyoon, Kim Doyeon, Shin Damyoung, Kim Yoonju, Lee Jungyeon, Kim Hye-in, Jo Minah, Yoon Seonyeong, Ji Sunmi, Kim Jihyun, Jang Jinyoung,

What to expect

Aims: Year after year, Sejong aims to break into the top four for the first time since the league expanded to eight teams, and at least be in the conversation around playoff places. The club has now finished in fifth for three consecutive years. There is some reason to be optimistic — Seoul’s 2025 campaign is evidence that it can be done; the WK League does not have to separate into two packs of four teams by mid-season. However, with teams such as Suwon and Gangjin, last year’s bottom two, making major moves in the transfer window to strengthen their sides, the race for playoff spots is only getting tougher. Sportstoto should leverage the experience of its more senior squad members to develop its abundant young talent and keep building, with the club’s long-term future in mind as much as its 2026 targets.

Key players: Captain Kim Doyeon is a true veteran of the WK League, having started out at Seoul City in 2010. The 37-year-old defender then won eleven WK League titles with Incheon Hyundai before joining Sportstoto two years ago. Her leadership is invaluable to this squad, not to mention her calm and consistent presence in Sejong’s back line. Kim has strongly implied that this season will be her last before retirement, and if so, she will be a huge loss to the side next year. Hoping to make an impact at the other end of the pitch is forward Park Heeyoung, joining Sportstoto from Seoul City. Following Jung Seolbin’s retirement at the end of last season, Sejong will need someone else to step up and score some goals. Park should be aiming to at least partly fulfil that role as she returns to her first club, now as the side’s most senior attacking player.

Why to watch: In recent years, Sejong Sportstoto have been a solid mid-table team. Under former national team manager Yoon Deokyeo, the squad works hard and plays consistently. They stay in the conversation around playoffs by putting themselves in the conversation around playoffs — this is a club that is not afraid to be ambitious. Sportstoto has made some very astute signings in the past couple of years, but its investment in the future is not limited to its first team. The club operates free grassroots football sessions for local girls and women, and works hard to develop a positive relationship with fans. Sportstoto established a social media presence in 2024, posting regular updates even during the off-season. Sejong also makes a concerted effort to create a positive matchday environment at home games, with pre-match events, half-time games, and prize draws, partly organised by a team of marketing interns recruited from among local university students. Sejong Sportstoto is a football club that sees a future for women’s football in Korea and works tirelessly towards it, inviting you to join them for the journey.