Baseball Fans find New Way to combine Sport and Leisure in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea – November 13, 2025, 5:10 PM KST – A growing trend dubbed “sportance”-a portmanteau of “sport” and “vacation”-is gaining traction among South Korean baseball fans, offering a novel way to enhance their game-day experience. Supporters of Korean Baseball Association (KBO) teams, like the Kiwoom Heroes who play at Gocheok Dome, are increasingly pairing attendance at games with overnight stays at nearby hotels, creating a mini-vacation centered around their favourite sport.
This convergence of leisure and athletics is fueled by a desire for more immersive and memorable experiences. Fans are no longer content with simply attending a game; they seek to extend the excitement and camaraderie by incorporating relaxation and entertainment into their baseball outings.Hotels near Gocheok Dome are reporting increased bookings, especially on game days, as fans capitalize on packages designed to cater to this emerging market. The trend reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, prioritizing experiences over material possessions, and a growing appetite for unique and convenient travel options.
The concept gained visibility following reports on September 16, 2025, detailing the rising popularity of sportance packages. These packages frequently enough include game tickets, hotel accommodations, and sometimes even themed amenities or discounts at local restaurants and attractions.
