A New Era for Volleyball in Busan
On the 9th, the Busan Gangseo Gymnasium was filled with an electrifying atmosphere as 4,270 enthusiastic spectators filled every seat. This marked the first home game for the men’s professional volleyball team OK Savings Bank, which had been based in Ansan for 12 years since its establishment in 2013. The team has now relocated its home city to Busan for this season, signaling a significant shift in the local sports landscape.
With OK Savings Bank choosing Busan as its new home city, the city has become the first non-capital region to have all four major sports teams—baseball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Uhm Yoon-seop, a 49-year-old fan who visited the venue with his 8-year-old daughter wearing an orange curly wig, said, “I am a Lotte (baseball) fan, but my heart aches as their performance has been consistently poor. I hope to regain strength by watching volleyball.”
Struggles and Successes in Busan Sports
The professional baseball team Lotte Giants, which enjoys strong support from Busan fans, has struggled to advance to the postseason for eight consecutive years since the 2017 season. Similarly, Busan I’Park, which once filled the old Gu-deok Stadium during the Daewoo Royals era led by Ahn Jung-hwan, has remained in the second division of the K League (K League 2) for five years.
However, there has been some relief for Busan sports fans through basketball. Last year, KCC captured the men’s professional basketball championship immediately after relocating its home city from Jeonju to Busan. In March of this year, BNK won the women’s professional basketball championship, bringing joy to the city.
Volleyball Infrastructure and Fan Support
Busan, a city with a population exceeding 3 million, is known for its well-established volleyball infrastructure. There are over 10 elementary, middle, and high school volleyball teams, along with approximately 1,700 amateur players. Following the league opening ceremony in September, which drew around 2,300 spectators, the volleyball fever has already reached its peak. Fans have been flocking to experiential events held by the team at Gwangalli Beach and BEXCO.
Busan citizen Hong Won-jung, 44 years old, said, “I am delighted that I can now enjoy weekends by directly watching volleyball even in winter,” and added, “I hope volleyball will bring a championship trophy to Busan, just like basketball did.”
Strengthening Resolve for the Future
OK Savings Bank, which finished last in the previous season, appointed Manager Shin Young-chul—known as “the man who brings spring” for his expertise in advancing to the postseason—for this season. The team has strengthened its resolve in their new home.
In the match on the day, the fifth-placed OK Savings Bank lost 1-3 (22-25, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25) to the leading Korean Air. Despite the loss, the fans cheered enthusiastically every time a point was scored, creating a festive atmosphere by singing “Busan Seagull.”
Manager Shin Young-chul said, “This was the most nerve-wracking game of my coaching career. I apologize for not being able to present a victory to the Busan fans today, and I will prepare well to show a better performance in the future.”