Gyeonggi Province Offers National Soccer Games at ₩1,000 for Seniors and Disabled

Unprecedented Access to Korea's Premier International Matches

Gyeonggi Province announced on July 2nd that it will sell special access tickets for the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship national soccer matches at the remarkable price of just ₩1,000. This groundbreaking initiative targets individuals aged 70 and above, disabled persons, and one accompanying person for each, with sales beginning at 9 AM on a first-come, first-served basis.

This represents a significant expansion of the province's existing sports welfare program, which has been providing affordable access to professional sports events as part of its commitment to social inclusion and cultural accessibility for vulnerable populations.

Expansion of the Special Access Ticket System

Gyeonggi Province has already been operating a special access ticket system that allows seniors over 70 and disabled individuals, along with one accompanying person each, to attend games from 19 professional sports teams across soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball for ₩1,000. The extension to national team matches represents a significant upgrade to this program.

The system was originally established to expand sports viewing opportunities and provide cultural benefits to socially vulnerable groups. The primary goal is to help elderly and disabled individuals enjoy sports without financial burden, recognizing sports as a fundamental right that should be accessible to all citizens regardless of age or physical condition.

High-Stakes Matches Including Korea vs Japan and Korea vs China

The special tickets cover matches in the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship, formerly known as the East Asian Cup. This tournament features Korea's traditional rivalries against Japan and China, matches that consistently generate enormous public interest and national pride.

The Korea-Japan and Korea-China fixtures transcend simple sporting contests, becoming matters of national interest that unite citizens across demographic lines. The opportunity to witness these historically significant matches at such an affordable price is expected to generate tremendous response from eligible participants.

Gyeonggi Province's Sports Welfare Policy Framework

Gyeonggi Province has consistently prioritized improving citizen welfare through sports initiatives. This ticket program expansion represents a continuation of comprehensive policy efforts to ensure sports accessibility across all demographic groups within the province.

A provincial official explained that sports is a right that all citizens should enjoy regardless of age or disability status. The official emphasized that the initiative aims to help seniors and disabled individuals gain vitality through sports viewing while expanding opportunities for social participation.

Application Process and Distribution System

Special access tickets will be sold online starting at 9 AM on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants include individuals aged 70 and above with one accompanying person, and disabled individuals with one accompanying person. Applicants must provide documentation proving their eligibility.

Due to limited quantities, competition for tickets is expected to be intense. The province recommends that interested eligible individuals prepare to apply at the exact start time. To ensure fair opportunity distribution, the province plans to limit the number of tickets each person can purchase.

Cultural Impact and Sports Accessibility

This policy is expected to have positive effects on expanding sports viewing culture throughout the region. By removing economic barriers that previously prevented certain demographic groups from attending sporting events, the initiative can contribute to broadening the overall sports fan base.

The program may also increase family-unit attendance, creating opportunities for intergenerational communication and bonding. The image of grandparents attending soccer matches with their grandchildren contributes to establishing healthy leisure culture patterns across age groups.

Potential for National Expansion

If Gyeonggi Province's policy proves successful, it has strong potential for adoption by other local governments throughout Korea. Several municipalities are reportedly already considering implementing similar programs based on early results from Gyeonggi's initiative.

The model of achieving social welfare through sports access could bring positive changes to Korea's overall sports culture if adopted nationally. This approach represents an innovative intersection of sports policy, social welfare, and cultural accessibility.

Based on results from this pilot operation, Gyeonggi Province plans to further expand its special access ticket system. The province is reviewing various options including increasing the number of covered games and expanding the beneficiary categories.

Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/sports/gyeonggi-soccer-special-tickets