Teams
Hwaseong FC
Gyeongju HNP
Mokpo City
Gimhae City
Gangneung City
Changwon City
Daejeon Korail
Busan Trans Corp
Paju Citizen FC
Ulsan Citizen FC
Yangju Citizen
Pocheon Citizen FC
Siheung City AC
Cheonan City
Chungbuk Cheongju
Chuncheon FC
Yangpyeong FC
Gimpo FC
Pyeongtaek Citizen FC
Dangjin Citizen FC
Daegu FC Reserves
Yeoju
Gyeongju Citizen
Jeonju Citizen FC
Jinju Citizen FC
Goyang Citizen FC
Icheon Citizen
Seoul Jungang FC
Cheongju Jikji FC
Wikipedia - K3 League
The K3 League is the third-highest division in the South Korean football league system. It was run as an amateur league until 2019, but was relaunched as a semi-professional league after absorbing the Korea National League in 2020. It is currently contested by 16 clubs.
History
The Korean National Semi-Professional Football League was founded in 1964 and lasted until it was replaced by the Korea National League in 2003. The National League (K2 League) was established to introduce the promotion and relegation system between semi-professional clubs and K League clubs. However, National League clubs which formed independent federation were reluctant to invest for their professionalization, and the plan was miscarried due to their refusal.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) continued its plan to complete the South Korean football league system. The KFA made its amateur league K3 League in 2007, and introduced promotion and relegation in the amateur K3 League after dividing it into two divisions K3 League Advanced and K3 League Basic in 2017. Meanwhile, the number of National League clubs gradually decreased, while some of them joined second-tier professional league K League 2 (K League Challenge) or were dissolved due to financial problems. The K3 League Advanced and K3 League Basic were relaunched as semi-professional leagues under the name of K3 League and K4 League respectively, and the National League was merged into the newly-developed K3 League.
From 2026, the promotion and relegation system between K League 2 and K3 League to be implemented.
The tournament features teams from various regions across the country, each representing their respective cities or provinces. These teams consist of both professional and semi-professional players, creating a dynamic mix of skill levels and experience on the field.
The South Korea K3 League provides a platform for young and aspiring players to showcase their abilities and potentially earn contracts with professional clubs. It serves as a stepping stone for players looking to make a name for themselves in the world of soccer.
The league follows a traditional league format, with teams competing against each other in a round-robin style. The matches are intense and fiercely contested, with players giving their all to secure victory for their teams. The league also features a playoff system, where the top teams battle it out for the championship title.
The South Korea K3 League not only attracts local fans but also garners attention from soccer enthusiasts around the world. The matches are known for their high energy, skillful play, and passionate fan support. The league has a dedicated fan base that fills stadiums, creating an electric atmosphere during matches.
In addition to the on-field action, the South Korea K3 League also focuses on promoting community engagement and development. The league actively supports grassroots soccer initiatives, youth development programs, and charitable causes, aiming to nurture the sport at all levels.
Overall, the South Korea K3 League is a thrilling and competitive soccer tournament that showcases the immense talent and love for the sport in South Korea. It serves as a breeding ground for future stars and provides an exciting platform for fans to witness top-quality soccer.