- Last week, the official FIFA World Cup arrived in Seoul, Korea as part of the Cup’s annual tour since 2006, making the event the 4th time for the country. The arrival and presentation of the FIFA Cup has always been well received since football is the number one most popular sport in S. Korea.
The display serves as an important inspiration for young Korean athletes, as they strive to become the next generation of national football players who will finally win the FIFA championship for the country. It’s a dream not far from coming true, since South Korea’s national football team, known as the “Korea Republic ” became the first member of the Asian Football Confederation to qualify as a FIFA World Cup semi-finalist in 2002. Since then, the Korean Republic has consistently qualified in every FIFA World Cup championship series held every four years.
Actually, the K League, the count ry’s long-running domestic professional football association, has been constantly sponsoring minor football conferences, as a way to encourage increased involvement and participation in the sport.
Prominent Football Personalities Officiated the Unveiling of the FIFA World Cup Display
In attendance to help with the unveiling and presentation of the World Cup were two of the most revered football players in S. Korea, national football legends Park Ji-sung, and Cha Bum-kun. The two icons, along with Paulo Bento, the current head coach of the Korea Republic national team, joined Brazilian football star Rivaldo Ferreira in unveiling the FIFA World Cup in Yeouido at The Hyundai Seoul.
Can South Koreans Stake Wagers on Football Matches?
South Koreans’ love for football had also nurtured and encouraged the gambling streak in many sports enthusiasts. While becoming a football player is not in the destiny of other Koreans, many simply found fulfillment in engaging in sports betting. This despite the government’s prohibition against sports betting, except if wagered on horse, boat and cycling competitions. According to the results of a 2019 survey, 22.7% of those who responded to the survey indicated football as their favorite sport, while baseball came in second with a 20.6 % score.
Actually, the state-run major betting site Sports Proto, sometimes accepts wagers for local football and baseball tournaments. However, local gamblers can’t find the same competitive betting odds and betting markets available in offshore-based betting sites.
International operators are not only reputed for having the broadest array of betting products to offer punters. They are also known to be generous with sign-up bonus offers and payment of cashback or rebates for regular players. The problem though is that one shouldn’t be too eager to get onboard a sports betting platform, as there are many unscrupulous operators who take advantage of overzealous gamblers.
The good news is that members of Korea’s toto community are giving reviews and recommendations, of the best toto betting sites verified as the most secure and safe playground (안전놀이터) in South Korea.