The event is especially thrilling for baseball enthusiasts as it features prominent players from Korea and Japan. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant first for South Korea, the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul has undergone a facelift in preparation for the upcoming “2024 MLB World Tour Seoul Series” set for March 20 and 21.
The stadium’s artificial turf has been upgraded to meet Major League standards in terms of shock absorption, and it now boasts a sophisticated two-tone color scheme.
The highlight of the Seoul Series will be the opening two games between the San Diego Padres, featuring Kim Ha-seong and Ko Woo-seok, and the LA Dodgers. The event is especially thrilling for baseball enthusiasts as it features prominent players from Korea and Japan.
Kim Ha-seong, formerly of the Kiwoom Heroes, has transitioned to the shortstop position with the Padres this season, while LG Twins’ closer Ko Woo-seok joined the team in the offseason. Shohei Ohtani, known for his dual role as pitcher and hitter, will lead the charge for the Dodgers.
The event is especially thrilling for baseball enthusiasts as it features prominent players from Korea and Japan. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
In addition to the main MLB season opener, exhibition matches will take place, including a game between the LA Dodgers and the Kiwoom Heroes at noon on March 17, followed by Team Korea versus the San Diego Padres in the evening.
The following day will see the Padres take on the LG Twins at noon, and Team Korea face the Dodgers in the evening.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon conducted an on-site inspection of the Gocheok Sky Dome on March 12, ahead of the MLB World Tour Seoul Series opener, reviewing safety measures for spectators, crowd management strategies, and facility readiness.
Oh expressed his excitement for the series, stating, “The exchange between MLB and Korean baseball is now in full swing. I hope this event paves the way for the Seoul Series to be held annually.”
Oh emphasized the importance of accident prevention, stating, “With a large crowd expected, we’re ensuring meticulous crowd management at all entry and exit points to create a flawless event.”
The city has coordinated closely with MLB, the Guro District Office, police, and fire departments, deploying over 400 security personnel inside and outside the stadium.
MLB has announced the starting pitchers for the two games, with Tyler Glasnow and Yu Darvish taking the mound for the Dodgers and Padres, respectively, in the first game. The second game will feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Joe Musgrove.
Each day will see the Padres and Dodgers playing as the home team alternately, promising an unforgettable baseball experience at the Gocheok Sky Dome.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
