[K-Culture in Photos] Inside Korea’s World Cup street cheering culture

거리에서 하나 되는 한국의 월드컵 응원 문화 Through a single photo at a time, we take a closer look at culture in Korea. This is K-Culture in Photos. Today's keyword is “eung-won”, which means “cheering,” “support,” or “encouragement.” When Koreans hear the word, many think of scenes like this. At K-pop concerts, fans wave colorful light sticks and sing along to support their favorite artists from first and second generation stars to today’s global groups like BLACKPINK, aespa, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Cheering also appears in everyday life. On Korea’s college entrance exam day, students are greeted by younger classmates, teachers, and parents, all sending encouragement before one of the most important tests of their lives. And now, as the World Cup gets underway, football stadiums around the world are filling with supporters ready to cheer for their teams. As the World Cup begins, one Korean tradition is returning: “street cheering.” Public spaces like Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul Plaza often fill with thousands of fans dressed in red, waving Korean flags, and cheering for the national team. They sing the same songs, perform the same chants, and share every emotional moment together. During tense moments, entire crowds fall silent, eyes fixed on giant outdoor screens. This year, Seoul is also opening special World Cup cheering zones at Ttukseom Hangang Park, where fans can watch matches together on large LED screens by the Hangang River. It's a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the tournament with others. And perhaps that's what makes Korean street cheering so special. Even strangers come together, chanting "Dae~ Han Min Guk!", hugging each other, and sometimes even shedding tears together. Here's hoping that spirit continues throughout the World Cup. “Somaek” a mix of soju and beer has long been a favorite in Korea. Its popularity has become so widespread that ready-to-drink canned versions are now appearing in stores, making somaek even easier to enjoy. The drink also gained international attention through several high-profile moments. During visits to Korea, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang was seen sharing somaek with some of the country’s top business leaders, turning the drink into a symbol of Korean hospitality and networking. Recently, actor Daniel Dae Kim introduced somaek on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, even demonstrating how to make it on air. The segment brought a taste of Korean drinking culture to millions of viewers. K-pop star Rosé has also helped introduce somaek to global audiences through her online content, while explaining Korean drinking games and food culture. And from supermarkets in the Philippines to social media around the world, more people are discovering this uniquely Korean drink one glass at a time. This colorful poster is promoting the return of “Gukjungbak Costume Play,” a unique event hosted by the National Museum of Korea. After becoming a social media sensation last year, the competition is back this time on a nationwide scale. From people covered head-to-toe in gold paint to others dressed as kings and royal officials, the museum grounds have become a stage for creativity. Participants have even transformed themselves into famous Buddhist statues, recreating every detail with remarkable dedication. The creativity doesn't stop there. Tigers make an appearance, and some costumes even resemble characters from Kpop Demon Hunters. Then there are entries like this one. Yes, that's a human-sized version of a gold earring! It was inspired by an artifact from the museum's collection and became one of last year's standout creations. Beyond the costumes, the event is all about having fun. Participants gather, pose for photos, and celebrate history in their own imaginative way. With this year's contest now underway, expectations are already high for another memorable show. In Korea, culture isn't just observed it's something people join in with. #WorldCup2026 #StreetCheering #Somaek #KoreanCulture #월드컵2026 #거리응원 #소맥 #arirangnews #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Youtube :    / channel   📣 Homepage : https://v2.arirang.com/ 2026-06-15, 14:00 (KST)