World Cup Fever!

A few weeks ago, one of our kindergarteners came in to school wearing a set of glowing red devil horns.  We're thinking, "Okay... interesting choice. Fitting to the child, but isn't it a while until Halloween?" Little did we know that in the next few weeks we would see thousands more people wearing the exact same horns. While in the US, the FIFA World Cup is about as important as any other sporting event, in Korea it is HUGE.  Thousands of people gather all over the place to cheer on the team.

The story starts in 2002, when Korea co-hosted the World Cup with Japan. Up until then, they had never done very well, and they weren't expected to make it very far. Long story short, Korea made it to 4th place, and the country went crazy with pride. Since then, the World Cup has been a huge deal here.

This year, the place to be was on the street outside of COEX, a big mall. They showed the game on big screens, and a zillion and a half people gathered, rain or shine, night or day; sporting their red shirts and crazy outfits. There was a stage and several bands played before the game and during half-time. It was a party and a half.

We showed up in our red shirts, got some glowing red horns, and had a great time. It was raining for two of the games, but being true Oregonians, we didn't let a few drops of water scare us. We shouted the chant "DAE HAN MIN GUK! *Clap * Clap* Clap* Clap* Clap*"  like true fans and it didn't matter that we didn't understand the rules of soccer.

Before the game at a restaurant in Bundang. (stolen picture from facebook)

The crowd at Coex.

"Dae Han Min Guk!"

"So Clayton, I'm going to need to be on your shoulders now," (while searching for a friend).

Followed by, "SCORE!!!!! WOOO HOOO!" and this picture.

A true fan. This poor kid couldn't see anything! His parents were no where in sight and he spent half the game standing on his tiptoes.

It was apparently the night to be on Clayton's shoulders. After a few offers, the boy finally stopped being polite and let Clayton put him up there so he could actually see the rest of the game.

VICTORY!

Everyone went crazy after we won. We ran around taking pictures with random strangers for probably 30 minutes after the game was over. People were shooting off fireworks and chanting. It was a riot!

This boy wanted to show off his victory pose. He was such a ham!

Us showing off our victory poses.

In the subway on the way home.

The lights from the stage at Coex.

Before the last Korea game.

Because you have to take pictures with peace signs in Korea.

Elvis lives!

Crowd in the rain at the last game. :-( We lost, but it was a hard fought game.  Go KOREA!!!!