K3 League
Encyclopedia
The Challengers League is a top amateur football competition in South Korea
. Created in 2007, it is the third tier of South Korean football league system
The season operated a two-stage system, with each side playing each other once in each stage for a combined total of eighteen matches (nine in each stage). The winners of both stages, Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics FC and Seoul United
respectively, plus the two teams with the best overall record from both stages, Cheonan FC
and Yong-in FC
, entered the championship playoffs. Seoul United emerged victorious in the championship playoffs, defeating Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics FC 3–0 on aggregate.
The four playoff teams earned a spot in the 2008 FA Cup
competition.
Seven new clubs registered ahead of the 2008 season with just one of the founder members, Daegu Korea Powertrain
, withdrawing from the league set-up.
After the first stage of the 2008 season, Changwon United
was withdrawn the league due to financial problem. At the end of the 2008 season, Seoul Pabal FC
was closed because some players of Seoul Pabal FC were implicated in the K3 League match fixing scandal.
From the 2009 season, 17 clubs competed the league due to three new clubs registered.
On December 1, 2009, Korea Football Association
announced that Seoul Yangcheon FC, Yeonggwang FC
and Chuncheon Citizen FC would join the league for the 2010.
And, KFA has also announced that an undergraduate never play the league game from the 2012 season and top nine teams of league earned a spot in next year FA Cup
competition.
On January 15, 2010, KFA announced the league schedule in the 2010 season. Seoul Yangcheon FC is postponed joining the league to the 2011 season. And, Jeonju Ongoeul FC
is defunct from the 2010 season.
K3 League was renamed as the Challengers League prior to the start of the 2011 season.
In 2009 season, championship playoff was abolished. Each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 32 games.
The 2010 season runs from March 13 through October 30. The 16 teams in the league are divided into the Group A and Group B — eight in the Group A, eight in the Group B. Each team competes against the other team in same group twice, home and away, the other group's team once, home or away, for a total of 22 games. The two group winners and two runners-up qualify to the Championship playoff.
(Gyeongju Citizen) Cho Hyun-Doo
(Yongin FC) Hwang Yeon-Seok
(Seoul United
) Jang Dae-Il
(Formerly of Yangju FC
) Jung Jae-Kwon (Seoul United
) Lee Byung-Keun
(Seoul United
) Lee Sang-Hun (Yongin FC)
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. Created in 2007, it is the third tier of South Korean football league system
Korea Republic football league system
The South Korean football league system contains three unconnected leagues for Korean football clubs. The Korean system is different from many other national league systems, in the sense that there is no official direct route for movement between any of the three divisions.The highest level of...
History
2007 was the inaugural season of the K3 League, and ten teams competed in the competition.The season operated a two-stage system, with each side playing each other once in each stage for a combined total of eighteen matches (nine in each stage). The winners of both stages, Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics FC and Seoul United
Seoul United FC
Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :...
respectively, plus the two teams with the best overall record from both stages, Cheonan FC
Cheonan FC
Cheonan FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Cheonan. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.-Current team squad:as of March 20, 2009...
and Yong-in FC
Yong-in FC
Yongin Citizen Football Club is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Yongin. It was a member of the K3 League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea, until 2010 but finally withdrew from the league due to financial pressure.-Current team squad:as of...
, entered the championship playoffs. Seoul United emerged victorious in the championship playoffs, defeating Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics FC 3–0 on aggregate.
The four playoff teams earned a spot in the 2008 FA Cup
Korean FA Cup
The Korean FA Cup is a national cup knockout competition involving K-League, National League, and various amateur and university-level clubs which is held by KFA....
competition.
Seven new clubs registered ahead of the 2008 season with just one of the founder members, Daegu Korea Powertrain
Daegu Korea Powertrain FC
Daegu Korea Powertrain F.C. is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Daegu. It was a member of the K3 League in 2007, but withdrew from the league when unable to find a suitable home venue for the 2008 season.-K3 League:...
, withdrawing from the league set-up.
After the first stage of the 2008 season, Changwon United
Changwon United
At first, they participated in K3 League by Changwon Doodae FC, but they changed their name.Changwon United is a South Korean soccer club based in Doodae-dong, in the city of Changwon. It used to be a member of the K3 League, but withdrew from it during the 2008 season....
was withdrawn the league due to financial problem. At the end of the 2008 season, Seoul Pabal FC
Seoul Pabal FC
Seoul Pabal FC was a South Korean soccer club based in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. It was a member of the K3 League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea....
was closed because some players of Seoul Pabal FC were implicated in the K3 League match fixing scandal.
From the 2009 season, 17 clubs competed the league due to three new clubs registered.
On December 1, 2009, Korea Football Association
Korea Football Association
The Korea Football Association is the governing body of football in Korea. The first governing body of Korean football was the Joseon Football Association , founded on 19 September 1933....
announced that Seoul Yangcheon FC, Yeonggwang FC
Yeonggwang FC
Jeonnam Yeonggwang Football Club is a South Korean football club based in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla. From 2010 season, Jeonnam Yeonggwang FC plays in the Challengers League, the third tier of Korean football. Yeonggwang FC's home stadium is Yeonggwang Sportium....
and Chuncheon Citizen FC would join the league for the 2010.
And, KFA has also announced that an undergraduate never play the league game from the 2012 season and top nine teams of league earned a spot in next year FA Cup
Korean FA Cup
The Korean FA Cup is a national cup knockout competition involving K-League, National League, and various amateur and university-level clubs which is held by KFA....
competition.
On January 15, 2010, KFA announced the league schedule in the 2010 season. Seoul Yangcheon FC is postponed joining the league to the 2011 season. And, Jeonju Ongoeul FC
Jeonju Ongoeul FC
Jeonju Ongoeul was a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Jeonju. It was a member of the K3 League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea....
is defunct from the 2010 season.
K3 League was renamed as the Challengers League prior to the start of the 2011 season.
Competition Format
In 2008 season, it operates its season in two stages, with the winners of each stage and the two runners-up advancing to the post-season championship playoffs. If in the event of the same team winning both stages, there will be no playoff.In 2009 season, championship playoff was abolished. Each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 32 games.
The 2010 season runs from March 13 through October 30. The 16 teams in the league are divided into the Group A and Group B — eight in the Group A, eight in the Group B. Each team competes against the other team in same group twice, home and away, the other group's team once, home or away, for a total of 22 games. The two group winners and two runners-up qualify to the Championship playoff.
Members for 2011 season
The following 16 clubs will compete in the Challengers League during the 2011 season.| Team | City | Stadium | Founded | Joined | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A Group A In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed... |
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| Asan United | Asan Asan Asan is a city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It is located at , bordering the Seoul Metropolitan Area to the north. Asan has a population of approximately 250,000.Asan is known for its hot springs and is a city of spas.... , Chungnam |
Yisunshin Stadium | 2005 | 2007 | |
| Bucheon FC 1995 Bucheon FC 1995 Bucheon FC 1995 is a South Korean football club located in the city of Bucheon, which is currently a member of the Challengers League. The club was founded by a group of former Bucheon SK supporters after the relocation of Bucheon SK to Seogwipo at the beginning of 2006.- History :Within weeks of... |
Bucheon Bucheon Bucheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is sandwiched between Incheon and Seoul. Manufacturing operations are located in the city.Bucheon promotes itself as the cultural centre of the Seoul Metropolitan Area... , Gyeonggi |
Bucheon Stadium Bucheon Stadium Bucheon Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Bucheon, South Korea. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium has 34,545 seats and opened in 2001.-External links:*... |
2007 | 2008 | |
| Gyeongju Citizen | Gyeongju Gyeongju Gyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the... , Gyeongbuk |
Gyeongju Stadium | 2008 | 2008 | |
| Jeonju EM Jeonju EM FC Jeonju EM is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Jeonju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
Jeonju Jeonju Jeonju is a city in South Korea, and the capital of Jeollabuk-do, or North Jeolla Province. It is an important tourist center famous for Korean food, historic buildings, sports activities and innovative festivals.- History :... , Jeonbuk |
Jeonju University Jeonju University Jeonju University is a private Christian university in South Korea. The campus is located in 1200 Hyoja-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do.- History :Jeonju University was founded on January 9, 1964 as Jeonju Youngsaeng College... |
2007 | 2007 | |
| Seoul United Seoul United FC Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :... |
Seoul Seoul Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... Metropolitan City |
Jamsil Stadium | 2004 | 2007 | |
| Namyangju United | Namyangju Namyangju Namyangju is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. To the east is Gapyeong County, to the west is Guri City, and to the north is Pocheon City.-History of Namyangju:... , Gyeonggi |
Namyangju Stadium | 2008 | 2008 | |
| Yangju FC Yangju FC Yangju Citizen Football Club is a South Korean football club based in the city of Yangju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.* Manager : Ryu Bong-Gi... |
Yangju Yangju Yangju is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Yangju is located south of Dongducheon and north of Uijeongbu not far from Seoul.- Attractions:... , Gyeonggi |
Yangju Stadium | 2007 | 2007 | |
| Yeonggwang FC Yeonggwang FC Jeonnam Yeonggwang Football Club is a South Korean football club based in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla. From 2010 season, Jeonnam Yeonggwang FC plays in the Challengers League, the third tier of Korean football. Yeonggwang FC's home stadium is Yeonggwang Sportium.... |
Yeonggwang, Jeonnam | Yeonggwang Sportium | 2010 | 2010 | |
| Group B Group B Group B was a set of regulations introduced in 1982 for competition vehicles in sportscar racing and rallying regulated by the FIA. The Group B regulations fostered some of the quickest, most powerful and sophisticated rally cars ever built. However, a series of major accidents, some fatal, were... |
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| Cheonan FC Cheonan FC Cheonan FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Cheonan. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.-Current team squad:as of March 20, 2009... |
Cheonan Cheonan Cheonan is a city located in the northeast corner of South Chungcheong, a province of South Korea, and is 83.6 km south of the capital, Seoul... , Chungnam |
Cheonan Stadium | 2004 | 2007 | |
| Cheongju Jikji | Cheongju Cheongju Cheongju is the capital city of Chungcheongbuk-do , South Korea. The city is divided into two wards , Heungdeok-gu and Sangdang-gu .-History:... , Chungbuk |
Cheongju Stadium Cheongju Stadium Cheongju Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Cheongju, South Korea. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 19,250 people.-External links:*... |
2008 | 2009 | |
| Goyang FC Goyang FC Goyang Citizen Football Club is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Goyang. It was founded because of the disappointment created by Kookmin Bank FC, which decided not to elevate to K-League after winning the National League in 2006... |
Goyang Goyang Goyang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Goyang includes the new city of Ilsan, which is connected to Seoul via Seoul Subway Line 3. Goyang is bordered by Seoul to the south; walls of the Bukhan Mountain Fortress lie along a small portion of this border.Several institutions of higher... , Gyeonggi |
Goyang Stadium Goyang Stadium Goyang Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Goyang, South Korea. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Goyang KB and Daekyo Kangaroos. The stadium holds 41,311 people. It was built in 2003.-External links:* * *... |
2008 | 2008 | |
| Chuncheon FC Chuncheon FC Chuncheon FC is a South Korean football club based in Chuncheon, Gangwon. From 2010 season, Chuncheon FC plays in the Challengers League, the third tier of Korean football. Chuncheon FC's home stadium is Chuncheon Stadium.-External links:* *... |
Chuncheon Chuncheon Chuncheon is the capital of Gangwon Province, South Korea. The city lies in the northeast of the country, located in a basin formed by the Soyang River and Han River. There are some large lakes around the city, most notably Lake Soyang and Lake Uiam... , Gangwon Gangwon-do (South Korea) Gangwon-do is a province of South Korea, with its capital at Chuncheon. Before the division of Korea in 1945, Gangwon and its North Korean neighbour Kangwŏn formed a single province.-History:... |
Chuncheon Stadium Chuncheon Stadium Chuncheon Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Chuncheon, South Korea. Former Stadium was built in 1980 as Chuncheon Civic Stadium.Newly established stadium will be open in June 2009. It will be using mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 people. It is home ground of... |
2010 | 2010 | |
| Gwangju Gwangsan Gwangju Gwangsan FC Gwangju Gwangsan FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Gwangju. It is a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
Gwangju Gwangju Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. It is a designated metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government's Home Minister... Metropolitan City |
Honam University Honam University Honam University is a university located in Gwangsan-gu, South Korea.... |
2008 | 2008 | |
| Icheon Citizen | Icheon Icheon Icheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It should not be confused with the much larger Incheon Metropolitan City. Neighboring districts include Yeoju County, Gwangju City, Yongin City, and Anseong City within Gyeonggi province, as well as Eumseong County in North Chungcheong... , Gyeonggi |
Icheon City Stadium Icheon City Stadium Icheon City Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Icheon, South Korea. It is currently used mostly for football matches and was the home stadium of the Hummel Korea football team from 2006 to 2007. The stadium holds 25,000 people and opened in 2001.... |
2009 | 2009 | |
| FC Pocheon | Pocheon Pocheon Pocheon is a landlocked city in the far northeastern region of Gyeonggi province in South Korea. It covers 826.48 km2 with a population of 160,176 people, according to the 2008 census. Pocheon lies between Seoul and the mountainous northwestern areas of Gangwon province... , Gyeonggi |
Pocheon Stadium | 2008 | 2008 | |
| Seoul FC Martyrs | Seoul Seoul Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... Metropolitan City |
Kangbuk Stadium | 2009 | 2009 | |
Defunct former clubs
- Daegu Korea Powertrain FCDaegu Korea Powertrain FCDaegu Korea Powertrain F.C. is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Daegu. It was a member of the K3 League in 2007, but withdrew from the league when unable to find a suitable home venue for the 2008 season.-K3 League:...
(2007) - Changwon UnitedChangwon UnitedAt first, they participated in K3 League by Changwon Doodae FC, but they changed their name.Changwon United is a South Korean soccer club based in Doodae-dong, in the city of Changwon. It used to be a member of the K3 League, but withdrew from it during the 2008 season....
(2007-08 1st Stage) - Seoul Pabal FCSeoul Pabal FCSeoul Pabal FC was a South Korean soccer club based in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. It was a member of the K3 League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea....
(2007-08) - Jeonju Ongoeul FCJeonju Ongoeul FCJeonju Ongoeul was a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Jeonju. It was a member of the K3 League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea....
(2008-09) - Samcheok Shinwoo Electronics (2007-10)
- Yongin FC (2007-10)
Titles By Season
| Season | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Seoul United Seoul United FC Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :... |
Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics |
| 2008 | Yangju FC Yangju FC Yangju Citizen Football Club is a South Korean football club based in the city of Yangju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.* Manager : Ryu Bong-Gi... |
Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics |
| 2009 | Pocheon FC Pocheon FC Football Club Pocheon is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Pocheon. It is a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
Gwangju Gwangsan Gwangju Gwangsan FC Gwangju Gwangsan FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Gwangju. It is a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
| 2010 2010 K3 League The 2010 K3 League is the fourth season of the K3 League. Playoff systems were re-implemented in this season and league was divided two group and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage and the two runners-up advancing to the post-season championship playoffs.The season... |
Gyeongju Citizen | Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics |
| 2011 2011 Challengers League The 2011 Challengers League is the fifth season of the K3 League. The league announced its new name as Challengers League from this season. Playoff systems were used as the same as last season and league was divided two groups and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage... |
Gyeongju Citizen | Yangju FC Yangju FC Yangju Citizen Football Club is a South Korean football club based in the city of Yangju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.* Manager : Ryu Bong-Gi... |
Titles By Club
| Club | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongju Citizen | 2 (2010 2010 K3 League The 2010 K3 League is the fourth season of the K3 League. Playoff systems were re-implemented in this season and league was divided two group and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage and the two runners-up advancing to the post-season championship playoffs.The season... , 2011 2011 Challengers League The 2011 Challengers League is the fifth season of the K3 League. The league announced its new name as Challengers League from this season. Playoff systems were used as the same as last season and league was divided two groups and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage... ) |
|
| Yangju FC Yangju FC Yangju Citizen Football Club is a South Korean football club based in the city of Yangju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.* Manager : Ryu Bong-Gi... |
1 (2008) | 1 (2011 2011 Challengers League The 2011 Challengers League is the fifth season of the K3 League. The league announced its new name as Challengers League from this season. Playoff systems were used as the same as last season and league was divided two groups and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage... ) |
| Seoul United Seoul United FC Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :... |
1 (2007) | |
| Pocheon FC Pocheon FC Football Club Pocheon is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Pocheon. It is a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
1 (2009) | |
| Hwasung Shinwoo Electronics | 3 (2007, 2008, 2010 2010 K3 League The 2010 K3 League is the fourth season of the K3 League. Playoff systems were re-implemented in this season and league was divided two group and play with home and away each other, with the winners of each stage and the two runners-up advancing to the post-season championship playoffs.The season... ) |
|
| Gwangju Gwangsan Gwangju Gwangsan FC Gwangju Gwangsan FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Gwangju. It is a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.... |
1 (2009) |
Notable players
Cha Gi-SukCha Gi-suk
Cha Gi-Suk is a South Korean football player who since 2009 summer has played for Bucheon FC 1995.Cha was the member of South Korea U-17 and South Korea U-20. But he was suffered from chronic kidney disease since 2006. Because of his disease, he never played in Chunnam...
(Gyeongju Citizen) Cho Hyun-Doo
Cho Hyun-Doo
Cho Hyun-Doo is a football player from South Korea. He is currently coaching Suwon Samsung Bluewings youth system.He was a member of the South Korean Youth team in early 1990s and went on to play as a professional in the K-League....
(Yongin FC) Hwang Yeon-Seok
Hwang Yeon-Seok
Hwang Yeon-Seok is a South Korea football player currently play at Goyang Kookmin Bank.He was played in Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma for nine seasons. At Seongnam, he played 270 games and scored 55 goals, 28 assists....
(Seoul United
Seoul United FC
Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :...
) Jang Dae-Il
Jang Dae-Il
Jang Dae-Il is a South Korean football player.He played for several clubs, including Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Busan I'cons.He played for the South Korea national football team and was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup....
(Formerly of Yangju FC
Yangju FC
Yangju Citizen Football Club is a South Korean football club based in the city of Yangju. It is currently a member of the Challengers League, an amateur league and the third tier of league football in South Korea.* Manager : Ryu Bong-Gi...
) Jung Jae-Kwon (Seoul United
Seoul United FC
Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :...
) Lee Byung-Keun
Lee Byung-Keun
Lee Byung-Keun is a South Korean former football player.He started his career as a professional footballer as a founding member of Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 1996...
(Seoul United
Seoul United FC
Seoul United is a South Korean amateur football club based in Seoul. It currently competes in the third tier of the South Korean football league system, the Challengers League.- History :...
) Lee Sang-Hun (Yongin FC)
See also
- K-LeagueK-LeagueThe Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
- Korean FA CupKorean FA CupThe Korean FA Cup is a national cup knockout competition involving K-League, National League, and various amateur and university-level clubs which is held by KFA....
- Korean National League
- Korean football league systemKorea Republic football league systemThe South Korean football league system contains three unconnected leagues for Korean football clubs. The Korean system is different from many other national league systems, in the sense that there is no official direct route for movement between any of the three divisions.The highest level of...
- List of football clubs in South Korea