NC Dinos 2027: baseball in Changwon, the KBO's youngest champion
The NC Dinos are the newest champions in the league and play in a modern ballpark in Changwon. This guide explains how to get to Changwon NC Park, where to sit, how the crowd behaves, the club's short but eventful history and how to plan for the 2027 KBO season.
NC Dinos: the ninth KBO club and the 2020 champions
The NC Dinos were founded in 2011 as the ninth club in the KBO and joined the top league in 2013. For a young franchise they have achieved a lot: a Korean Series final in 2016 that ended in defeat, and then the 2020 championship, the first and so far only title in the club's history.
Why the Dinos feel different
With no century-old rivalries or generations of grandfathers in the stands, the Dinos represent a modern, growing fan culture. Many supporters are young families, and the club has built a friendly, energetic image around its dinosaur mascots.
From the Masan years to the new era
In their early seasons the Dinos played at the older Masan stadium, an older venue with a very different feel. Moving to a purpose-built park in 2019 marked the start of a new chapter, and the team's rise in the standings in the following years made the move feel like a promise kept.
The 2020 title run
The Dinos beat the Doosan Bears in the 2020 final to claim the championship. For Changwon and the surrounding Gyeongnam region, it was a landmark moment, and images from that season still decorate the city.
Changwon NC Park: the Dinos' ballpark
The Dinos play at Changwon NC Park, which opened in 2019 and holds around 22,000 spectators. It replaced the older Masan stadium, where the club had played in its first years. The park is modern, open-air and designed with wide concourses and good sightlines.
What to expect at NC Park
Expect clean facilities, plenty of food options and a family-friendly atmosphere. As with every KBO venue, check the club's official pages for the latest information on seating areas, safety notices and any works under way.
Seasonal feel at NC Park
Spring games take place while Jinhae, close to Changwon, blooms with cherry blossoms in early April. Summer is warm and humid, so shaded rows are valued.
Getting to NC Dinos home games in Changwon
Changwon is in the southeast, in Gyeongsangnam-do, and is best reached from Seoul by KTX to one of the Changwon-area stations or by express bus. From Busan, the trip is a short ride by bus or train. The nearest large airport is Gimhae.
From the station to NC Park
Changwon is a car-oriented city, so local buses and taxis are the usual way to reach the ballpark. Show the Korean name of the stadium to the driver and confirm the current bus numbers on a map app before you travel.
Eating in Changwon and Masan
The Masan area is known for fresh fish and a spicy monkfish stew called agujjim, which makes a good pre-game meal. Changwon is also an industrial city, so you will find plenty of casual restaurants near workplaces.
Dinos fan culture and the atmosphere
NC Dinos crowds are loud but relaxed. The cheering squad leads songs near the home dugout, the stands are full of blue and the mood is festive. Because the club is young, there is less rigid tradition, and newcomers feel welcome quickly.
Dinos chants and mascots
Dinosaur mascots and playful routines between innings keep children entertained. The chants are easy to pick up, and the crowd welcomes visitors who join in.
Food and drink at the Dinos' park
Chicken, beer and Korean snacks are standard. Rules on outside food and drinks vary between parks, so read the signs at the entrance and ask staff if you are unsure.
Best seats at an NC Dinos game
NC Park has seating suited to all types of fans. As in other KBO venues, premium seats sit behind the plate and along the infield, the loudest cheering is on the home side, and the outfield suits groups.
Best-view Dinos seats
Infield rows behind or beside the plate give a clear view of pitching and defence. Higher rows are cooler and offer perspective.
Dinos seats for the party atmosphere
Choose the home-side cheering zone if you want to sing and stand. Expect a lively, family-friendly crowd rather than a rowdy one.
Dinos seats for visitors and families
Visiting fans sit on the opposite side. Families can pick quieter areas, and the official seating chart shows which sections are which.
NC Dinos rivalries
The Dinos' best-known rivalry is with Busan. Games against the /kbo-2027/lotte-giants/ are called the Nakdong River derby, and many Lotte fans travel to Changwon, filling a large part of the park.
Dinos and the Daegu club
Series with the /kbo-2027/samsung-lions/ also have regional flavour, because both clubs are from the southeast corner of the peninsula.
Dinos against Seoul and the rest
The /kbo-2027/lg-twins/ and the /kbo-2027/doosan-bears/ bring the biggest crowds, partly because of the 2020 final with Doosan. For the whole league, read the /kbo-2027/ hub.
NC Dinos in the 2027 KBO season
The 2027 schedule has not been announced. The KBO usually opens at the end of March, as in 2026, and the regular season runs into the autumn. We will not publish home dates until they are confirmed.
Planning an NC Dinos trip
Pick a flexible window and aim for a weekend if you want a fuller park. Changwon combines well with Busan and Gyeongju. Spring, around the cherry-blossom period, is an attractive time to visit. To compare with Japanese baseball, see the /npb-2027/ guide.
Dinos weather advice
Evenings can be cool in April and humid in summer. Carry a light layer in spring and sun protection in July and August.
How to buy NC Dinos tickets
Tickets are sold through the club's official channels and Korean booking apps. Weekend and rival games are most in demand. Some platforms require a Korean phone number, so keep a backup option.
Steps to book Dinos seats
- Open the club's official ticket page and check which games are on sale.
- Choose the area that suits you: view, atmosphere or family.
- If online booking is blocked, try the box office, especially for a weekday game.
- Keep the confirmation on your phone and arrive early.
Tips for foreign Dinos fans
Learn a simple chant, carry a power bank and plan your return transport, because buses can be crowded after the game. For further help, see our /guides/. Sign up for the alert on this page and we will email you as soon as the Dinos' 2027 dates are confirmed.
NC Dinos FAQ
Where do the NC Dinos play?
At Changwon NC Park in Changwon, a ballpark that opened in 2019 with a capacity of around 22,000.
When did the Dinos win the Korean Series?
In 2020, beating the Doosan Bears in the final. It is the club's only title so far.
How do I get to Changwon from Seoul?
By KTX to a Changwon-area station or by express bus. Then use a local bus or taxi to reach the ballpark.
When does the 2027 KBO season start?
The 2027 schedule has not been announced. The league usually opens at the end of March.
Can visitors buy NC Dinos tickets?
Yes, through the club's official channels and Korean booking apps, though some require a local phone number. The box office is a fallback.
What is the Nakdong River derby?
It is the name for games between the NC Dinos and the Lotte Giants of Busan.
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