Five essentials for your next Korean  Baseball game.  Why do they all begin with B? Baseball.  We’re  fun that way.  

1. Beer (Soju, Makgeolli, Bek Se Ju,  Wine, Whiskey):

There are no container (or food)  prohibition laws in Korean baseball stadiums. Cans, bottles, alcohol stills…it’s all nice and legal.

Granted, the alcohol inside the stadium is not Americanballpark-esque $8 mincrobrew  price. A can of beer will set you back $2, but there’s no reason to stop at a store on your way in.  

For $10 you and your friends can  drink 5 pitchers of Hite and alienate yourselves by singing corrected  English versions of  ballpark songs Koreans have appropriated for  their own language and ballpark experience.

2. Baby (as in child)

When a foul ball or home run is hit into the stands Korean fans start cheering “아주라,” which means: “give it to a kid.”

If you bring a young child to the park you will be guaranteed to receive any ball hit within two sections of your seat. If you  keep on  the move there is a   possibility of multiple balls during the afternoon.

3. Binoculars

4. Books (novels)

Korean baseball managers call to the pen early and often (5.1 times per game)  Games often stretch into  4 hour territory. Be prepared.

5. Bo-bo

Means “kiss” in Korean. One of the great traditions of Korean baseball. The camera seeks out unsuspecting couples around the park, projecting their images on the stadium jumbotron, and waiting until they kiss (or don’t).

Public affection in Korea is still a relatively new concept so the results are often hilarious and heartwarming.

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