Ever wondered where Seoul hosted the world? I am referring to the 1988 Summer Olympics. This is the Seoul Olympic Stadium also known as Jamsil Olympic Stadium.
This multipurpose stadium stands tall in Seoul South Korea. It was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 1986 Asian Games. The Main Stadium is located in the Songpa District southeast of the city. It is the centerpiece of the Seoul Sports Complex. It proudly holds the title of the largest stadium in South Korea.
Kim Swoo-geun designed the stadium with unique lines. The stadium’s profile imitates the curves of a Joseon white porcelain. Spectator seats are on two tiers and half-covered. The seating capacity is 69950.
Before the Main Stadium was built, Seoul’s largest venues were Dongdaemun Stadium and Hyochang Stadium. They seated 30000 and 20000 people, respectively. These stadiums were too small for world-class sporting events. Construction began in 1977 with the goal of hosting the Asian Games in 1986. When Seoul won the Olympic Games bid in 1981 this stadium became the centerpiece.
The Main Stadium officially opened on September 29 1984. It was the main venue for the 10th Asian Games two years later. It also served this function for the 1988 Summer Olympics. However, it has not hosted a major world sporting event since then. Currently, it has no occupant. The Korea Football Association wants to renovate and modernize the stadium. They want to transform it into a permanent ground for national team matches.
During the Olympics, the Main Stadium hosted important events. These included the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics. The football finals and the equestrian jumping individual final were also held here. The Main Stadium performed the same functions during the 1988 Summer Paralympics.
From a match against Japan in 1984 to a match against Yugoslavia in 2000 the Olympic Stadium was the home ground. It was home to the Korea Republic national football team. Later the Seoul World Cup Stadium became the main venue for the Korean team. The Olympic Stadium was used for the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup. This was in an effort to revitalize football. Korea lost a match against Japan 1–2. The KFA wants to continue using the venue for future national team matches. Since 2015, Seoul E-Land FC a professional football club has used this stadium.
The Seoul ePrix circuit runs into the Main Stadium. It winds around the Seoul Sports Complex. Many famous artists have performed here. Michael Jackson performed here in 1996 and 1999. H.O.T. a Korean boy band performed in 1999 and 2001. Other artists include Ricky Martin, The Three Tenors, and Roger Waters. Sarah Brightman, Elton John and the Backstreet Boys have also graced this stage. More recently Lady Gaga, Eminem, Muse, and Coldplay have performed here. BTS held their Love Yourself World Tour here in 2018 and 2019.
Imagine the roar of the crowd here. The Seoul Olympic Stadium stands as a monument to Seoul’s global significance. It is a lasting symbol of athletic achievement and unforgettable performances.