South Korea's thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic at the 2026 North America World Cup has set off a wave of excitement across the country, with Seoul's autonomous districts joining in by setting up giant screens and street cheering events for residents.
Jongno-gu and Jungnang-gu have drawn particular attention for organizing large-scale street cheering events aimed at fostering community spirit and energizing their neighborhoods.
Jongno-gu used Gwanghwamun Square to broadcast the national team's matches live. The district held its first public screening on June 12 using the massive KT West outdoor display at the square, with additional street cheering events planned for June 19 and June 25.
It marked the first time sports content has been broadcast live at Gwanghwamun Square. Residents gathered in the Yukjo Madang and Nori Madang plazas to watch the match on the giant screen, soaking in an atmosphere that rivaled being inside a stadium.
The events go beyond match screenings. K-pop performances, AI-powered entertainment and giveaways of cheering merchandise have added to the festival atmosphere. No advance reservation is required, drawing strong interest from families and foreign tourists alike.
Jongno-gu's ability to pull off events of this scale did not happen overnight. The district built up operational experience through last year's K-Festa, the Jongno K-Festival and various performance broadcasts. This year it completed a high-capacity fiber-optic link connecting Gwanghwamun Square with KT Square to support large-scale content transmission. A recent broadcast of BTS-related footage drew an enthusiastic response, cementing Gwanghwamun Square's reputation as a new cultural platform for Seoul.
"As Gwanghwamun Square is a cultural and tourism hub representing the nation, we will continue to expand content that lets citizens come together, enjoy themselves and connect with one another," Jongno-gu Mayor Jung Mun-heon said.
Jungnang-gu also threw its weight behind the World Cup excitement.
The Jungnang-gu Sports Council hosted a "2026 North America World Cup Street Cheering Event" at the Myeonmok Station Culture Plaza on June 12. About 500 residents turned out to watch South Korea's group-stage match against the Czech Republic and cheer on the national team together.
Residents packed in front of a large LED screen, waving the Taegukgi and wielding cheering props as they rooted for the team. A pre-match performance warmed up the crowd before kickoff, and the event brought together multiple generations — from children to the elderly — in a moment of unity forged by the World Cup.
Jungnang-gu also took care to ensure a safe cheering environment. Given the outdoor setting, organizers distributed heat illness prevention guidance and stationed an ambulance and safety personnel on site to handle any emergencies. The district also encouraged attendees to use public transportation and take their trash home, promoting a mature cheering culture.
"I hope the World Cup cheering event becomes a festival where residents can communicate and come together," Jungnang-gu Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said, adding that he hoped many residents would join the group cheering event for the Mexico match on June 19 to support the national team.
A group cheering event for South Korea's group-stage match against Mexico is also scheduled for the morning of June 19 at the main auditorium on the below-ground floors of the Jungnang-gu district office.
As the World Cup transcends its role as a mere sporting event to become a festival uniting local communities, Seoul's district-level cheering events are giving residents memories to treasure.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
