Korean K League 1 2026 Fixtures, Results & Standings

About K League 1

K League, officially known as the K League 1, is the top-tier professional men's football league in South Korea. Founded in 1983, it is the oldest professional football league in Asia and has played a pivotal role in the development of football in South Korea, both at the domestic and international levels.

The league is known for its disciplined tactical systems, fast-paced gameplay, and strong fan culture. K League teams frequently compete in the AFC Champions League and have produced some of Asia’s most recognized football talents.

Competition Format

K League 1 consists of 12 teams competing over a season that is typically divided into two stages:

1. Regular Round: Each team plays 33 matches in a triple round-robin format.
2. Final Round: After the 33rd round, the league splits into two groups — Final A (top 6) and Final B (bottom 6). Each team plays 5 additional matches within their group.

• The team with the most points at the end of the final round is crowned champion.
• The 12th-placed team is automatically relegated to K League 2.
• The 11th-placed team enters a promotion/relegation playoff against a team from K League 2.

Asian Qualification

• AFC Champions League: The top 1–3 teams (based on league placement and FA Cup results) qualify for the AFC Champions League group or playoff rounds.

All-Time Top Scorers

K League has featured numerous legendary strikers over the years. The all-time top scorers include:

• Lee Dong-gook – 228 goals (K League record holder)
• Kim Shin-wook – Notable tall target man with over 100 goals
• Dejan Damjanović – One of the most successful foreign players in K League hist

Defending Champion

The most recent K League 1 champion is Ulsan Hyundai, who secured the title with a consistent campaign and standout performances from both domestic and international stars.

League Tier & Structure

K League 1 is the first-tier division in the South Korean football pyramid.

Below it is K League 2, followed by semi-professional and amateur leagues.

Season Calendar

The K League season generally runs from late February to early December, aligned with the Asian football calendar and weather conditions. The league includes occasional breaks for international fixtures and summer events.

Stadiums & Attendance

Clubs play in modern stadiums located in major cities across South Korea.

• Largest stadium: Seoul World Cup Stadium (Capacity: 66,704 – FC Seoul)
• Average attendance (varies by season): ~7,000–12,000
• Rivalry matches, such as the Super Match (FC Seoul vs Suwon Samsung Bluewings), often attract crowds of over 30,000 fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When does the K League start and end?
A: The K League usually begins in late February or early March and ends in late November or early December.

Q: How many games are played in the K League 1 season?
A: Each team plays 38 matches in total — 33 in the regular season and 5 in the final round.

Q: Which team has won the most K League titles?
A: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors holds the record with 9 K League 1 titles, including dominant runs in the late 2010s.

Q: Who is the all-time top scorer in K League?
A: Lee Dong-gook is the league’s all-time top scorer with 228 goals.

Q: Which clubs are K League's biggest rivals?

• FC Seoul vs Suwon Bluewings – known as the Super Match
• Ulsan Hyundai vs Jeonbuk Motors – recent title-deciding clashes