Kia Tigers 2027: twelve titles, one proud Honam ballpark

Kia Tigers: twelve Korean Series, none lost

The Kia Tigers are the most successful franchise in KBO history, with twelve Korean Series titles and a perfect 12-0 record in the final. Nine of them came under the club's earlier identity as the Haitai Tigers, between 1983 and 1997. After the company changed hands, the club kept winning as Kia in 2009, 2017 and 2024.

Tigers dynasties and heroes

Retired legends are central to the myth. The pitcher Sun Dong-yol is regarded as one of the greatest Korean pitchers of all time, and the outfielder Lee Jong-beom was nicknamed "the son of the wind" for his speed. Older fans still bring up both names before any other.

The 2024 title

In 2024 the Tigers beat the Samsung Lions 4-1 in the final to win their twelfth crown. That year's celebrations in Gwangju are among the biggest in the city's modern history, and the club now carries both pride and pressure.

Gwangju-Kia Champions Field: the Tigers' ballpark

The Tigers play at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, which opened in 2014 and replaced the older Mudeung stadium. Capacity is around 27,000, one of the biggest in the league, in a venue designed for crowds. Season after season, Gwangju fills it for the big series.

What to expect inside Champions Field

The park is open-air and modern, with large concourses and a lot of food options. Details about roofing, seating areas or fan zones change from year to year, so check the official club pages before you buy tickets.

Why Champions Field is special for Tigers fans

Honam supporters have a deep emotional bond with the club, and the ballpark is a gathering place for whole families. Even when the team is in a slump, attendance stays strong.

Getting to the Kia Tigers' home from Seoul

Gwangju is in the southwest. The fast KTX and SRT trains run from Seoul to Gwangju-Songjeong Station, and express buses connect the two cities as well. Gwangju also has a small airport with domestic flights.

From Gwangju stations to Champions Field

The park is in the north part of the city. From the station or the central bus terminal, a taxi or local bus is the simplest route. Check a map app for the current best option, and show the Korean name of the stadium to your driver.

Eating like a local in Gwangju

The Jeolla region is considered Korea's food capital. Gwangju is known for grilled short-rib patties called tteok-galbi, duck stews and a long table of side dishes. Reserve time to eat before the game and arrive hungry.

Tigers fan culture and atmosphere

Tigers crowds are among the most passionate in the league. The cheering squad leads songs near the home dugout, the stands are a wall of red, and the supporters seem to know every chant by heart. After a win the whole park sings together.

Songs, red and rituals of the Tigers

Expect constant noise, big flags and a strong sense of regional identity. Visiting teams often say that a series in Gwangju feels like an away game in the best possible sense: the crowd is that loud.

Food and drink at Tigers games

Chicken, beer and local snacks are everywhere. Many fans bring their own food, though drink and bottle rules differ between parks. Read the entry signs, and ask staff if you are unsure.

Best seats at a Kia Tigers game

Big park, many options. As in other KBO venues, the premium seats are behind home plate and along the infield, the loudest sections are on the home side near the cheering platform, and the outfield stands are good for groups.

Best-view seats for the Tigers

Look at infield rows behind or beside the plate. Upper rows give a wider perspective, ideal if you like to follow fielding positions.

Tigers seats for the loudest atmosphere

If you want to chant, stand and wave, choose the home-side cheering zone. You will likely be handed a towel or a clapper, and it is polite to join in.

Tigers seats for visiting fans and families

Visitors sit on the opposite side. Families often prefer quieter sections away from the speakers. Check the official seating chart for the current layout.

Kia Tigers rivalries

The Tigers' most famous fixture is the regional clash with the /kbo-2027/samsung-lions/. Gwangju and Daegu represent two different parts of the country, and the rivalry has a long, emotional history that makes every series feel bigger than the standings.

Tigers and the Seoul clubs

Series with the /kbo-2027/lg-twins/ and the /kbo-2027/doosan-bears/ are the league's biggest-market games and bring a large crowd. Our guides explain what to expect when the Tigers meet them.

Tigers and the other southern teams

Games with the /kbo-2027/lotte-giants/ also deliver strong atmosphere, thanks to many travelling supporters. For the full league picture, visit the /kbo-2027/ hub.

Kia Tigers in the 2027 KBO season

The 2027 schedule has not been announced. The KBO normally opens at the end of March, as it did in 2026, and runs through the autumn. We will not publish home dates until the league confirms them.

What to plan for the Tigers now

As the club with the most titles, the Tigers will draw big crowds, so book early once sales open. Gwangju is also near Jeonju and Mokpo, handy for a regional trip. For another league on the same journey, see the /npb-2027/ guide.

Tigers weather tips

Spring evenings can be cool, and summer is humid and hot. Bring layers early in the season and light clothes in July and August.

How to buy Kia Tigers tickets

Tickets are sold via the club's official channels and Korean booking apps. In-demand games, especially weekends, sell out fast. Some platforms ask for a Korean phone number, so have a plan B.

Steps to book Tigers seats

1. Check the club's official ticket page for games on sale.
2. Pick the zone that suits you: view, atmosphere or family.
3. If online booking fails, try the box office, ideally on a weekday.
4. Keep your confirmation ready and arrive early.

Tips for foreign Tigers fans

Dress in red if you wish to blend in, learn one or two chants and keep the aisles clear. For general advice, visit our /guides/. Subscribe to the alert on this page and we will email you as soon as Tigers dates are confirmed for 2027.