Gangwon FC

Gangwon FC is a professional football club based in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Founded in 2008 as part of a regional development initiative following the failure of Gangwon's bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, the club has become an integral part of the local sporting identity. Gangwon plays its home matches at the Gangneung Hockey Centre and alternates with the Chuncheon Songam Sports Town. The club won the K League 2 title in 2021 to earn promotion back to the top flight. Gangwon has yet to win the K League 1 title but has established itself as a competitive mid-table side. The club is known for developing domestic talent and has been home to players like Kim Dae-won, one of the longest-serving and most consistent wingers in the league since 2020. Gangwon emphasizes a community-driven model and benefits from the scenic setting of Korea's northeastern province. The club has also invested in youth development, signing promising U22 players such as Kim Do-hyun from Busan IPark for the 2025 season.