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2002 한일 월드컵 [2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan]
The first global festival of the 21st century
"2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan" was
held in Korea on June, 2002. It was unprecedented
event because Korea and Japan co-hosted World Cup.
And it was the first time for the FIFA World Cup
to be held in Asia. The tow countries showed great
harmony and friendship to the world.
The
festival lasted for 1 months from May 31 ~ June
30, 2002. With 10 soccer stadiums in each country
the World Cup started. In Korea matches were held
in 10 cities; Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Daejeon, Jeonju,
Gwangju, Daegu, Ulsan, Busan and Seogwipo (Jeju
Island). Korea went on to the semifinals for the
first time and ranked 4rd place. With great support
from Korean people they showed excellent games and
the whole country was turn into a scene of wild
excitement with joy. Through the World Cup Korea
changed its image from "The Land of Morning
Calm" to "Dynamic Korea" improving
its previous negative image "the last frontier
of the Cold war", "the last Divided country".
Another
thing that impressed the world was the "Red
waves" (Red Devils; a cheering club for the
Korean national team). Tens of thousands of red-shirted
Koreans, including "Red Devils", gathered
in most streets cheering for the Korean national
team. No violence, no disorder during World cup.
Their hospitality and Korean people who were picking
trashes after matches touched the world again. Korea
is becoming recognized as a friendly country after
hosting The World Cup.
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