WK League is back: round-up of Round 1 matchday events

The 2026 WK League kicks off tomorrow (4 April), with all four Round 1 matches starting at 14:00. Here’s a quick roundup of the opening day fixtures, with details of all the matchday events for fans. Plus, don’t forget you can watch all WK League games live via the KWFF on YouTube.

Hwacheon KSPO vs. Gangjin Swans

2025 champions Hwacheon KSPO host new kids on the block Gangjin Swans, in a sort-of repeat of last year’s season opener between KSPO and Changnyeong WFC. The home team has confirmed that their cheerleading squad will be returning this year to get the crowd going, and there will also be a chance to win all sorts of prizes including household appliances, bicycles, beauty products and kitchen goods. Hwacheon’s 2026 slogan is ‘Rise Again!’, a clear statement of their ambitions for the season. The Swans, meanwhile, will arrive at Hwacheon Sports Park for their first official match since the club’s relocation in a bus emblazoned with the words ‘Think Deep Play Wise!’. Will this motto be enough to inspire Gangjin into causing a major upset on opening day? The Swans’ manager Go Hyunho was optimistic about the team’s chances at this week’s WK League Media Day, reminding the press that the defending champions have been beaten by an underdog side on the opening day of the (men’s top division) K League for two years in a row.

Hwacheon KSPO are crowned 2025 WK League champions at their home ground, Hwacheon Sports Park

Suwon FC vs. Seoul City Amazones

There’s a celebratory mood already at Castle Park, with the club having progressed to the semi-finals of the AWCL and secured hosting rights for the final stages of the competition. Besides giving fans another chance to purchase their AWCL kit, Suwon announced via Instagram that in celebration of the team’s continental success, Ji Soyun herself is “covering the cost” of fans’ tickets for the opening match. Suwon FC is the only WK League side to charge an admission fee for matches, and since we reported on the KWFF’s new QR code entry system earlier this week, the federation has added a line to its website to confirm that Suwon matches are not covered by the “all seating free” remit as previously implied.

Players line up ahead of a match at Suwon Sports Complex, under a clear blue sky and with the imposing structure of the floodlights behind — Suwon’s home stadium, Castle Park, ahead of the 2024 WK League playoff between Suwon and Gyeongju KHNP

Before kickoff, there will be another celebration — a retirement ceremony for Lee Eunmi, a veteran of both the WK League and the South Korean national team who played for Suwon from 2018-2024. She stepped back from the squad last year but was officially registered as a playing coach, and now Lee has completed her transition into coaching, serving as assistant coach under manager Park Gilyoung. At half time, there will be a chance for fans to win prizes including a Playstation 5, a television, and a Dyson vacuum cleaner, and there will be food trucks at the stadium serving a selection of snacks and drinks, starting from an hour before kickoff.

Sejong Sportstoto vs. Mungyeong Sangmu

As of Friday afternoon, Sejong Sportstoto are yet to confirm any matchday events, but the club often runs family-friendly pre-match activities and half-time prize draws. Keep an eye on Sportstoto’s social media for updates.

Gyeongju KHNP vs. Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels

The WK League’s most decorated side, Incheon Hyundai, are heading down south to face rivals Gyeongju KHNP in their season opener. Before kickoff, fans will have a chance to win merchandise by scoring in a miniature goal or spinning a lucky roulette wheel. There will also be food trucks at the ground, and a half-time concert from singing duo 100pro (백프로). Spectators will be able to win prizes including an LG Styler and a Dyson Airwrap — just make sure you pick up a ‘V-clap’ (KHNP’s answer to K-pop lightsticks) on the way in to be entered into the draw.

Women football players dressed in red and green uniforms line up in front of the goal for an indirect free kick — Gyeongju KHNP on their way to losing 1-4 to Seoul City in last year’s season opener at Gyeongju Football Park

KPFA online event

The Korea Pro Footballers’ Association (KPFA) has announced an online event via Instagram, giving matchgoers the opportunity to win a shirt or football signed by WK League players. To take part, simply follow the official KPFA account, take a photo of yourself at any of the four WK League Round 1 matches, upload the picture to Instagram, tag the KPFA, then comment ‘참여완료’ (‘participation complete’) on the post announcing the event. Winners will be notified via direct message.

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