Busan Gudeok Stadium

Busan Gudeok Stadium opened on September 26, 1928, during the colonial era. Originally named Busan Municipal Stadium, it was later renamed Gudeok Stadium in 1982 to distinguish it from newer facilities. The ground is owned by Busan Metropolitan City and has served as the primary home for Busan IPark since 1983. Over the decades, the venue has hosted major international events, including matches during the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Asian Games. It also witnessed significant historical moments, such as the Nodai Incident in 1940 and a tragic crowd crush in 1959 that claimed 67 lives. The stadium’s capacity has been reduced significantly from its historical peak of 30,000 during the Olympics to the current 12,349. The site features a natural grass pitch and a 400-meter urethane track, though the track’s status remains unclear. The adjacent Gudeok Baseball Stadium was demolished in 2017. As of 2024, plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of the Gudeok Sports Park complex, including housing and a new sports complex, have sparked controversy. The ground remains a key part of Busan’s sporting heritage, hosting matches for Busan IPark and Busan Transportation Corporation FC.