Baseball fans gathered in front of Gocheok Dome four hours before the game started.

Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, where the '2024 MLB World Tour Seoul Series' match between professional baseball's Kiwoom Heroes and the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) LA Dodgers was held.

There was a lot of excitement even before the game started that day. This is because the LA Dodgers, a star team representing MLB, is playing a game in Korea.

The Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tyler Glassnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, entered the country through Incheon International Airport on the 15th and received a warm welcome from fans. On the 16th, an official press conference and training was held at Gocheok Dome.

Otani, who visited Korea for the first time in 12 years, said at a press conference, “Korea is one of my favorite countries. “I think it will be a special and good experience to be able to play,” he said, expressing his expectations.

About four hours before the Kiwoom-Dodgers game, the first game of the Seoul Series on the 17th, fans wearing baseball uniforms gathered around Gocheok Dome. Some fans waited in line at the entrance to see the Dodgers players.

Lee Sang-hyeon (17), who visited the stadium wearing a Kiwoom uniform, said, “I support Kiwoom, but I also like MLB. “I’ve been waiting since 8 a.m. to see the players,” he said. “I bought a ticket as soon as the reservation site opened, and if it didn’t work out, I tried to buy a canceled ticket.” It's nice to see MLB players in the Seoul Series. Still, I hope Kiwoom wins,” he said with a smile.

Do Yeon-woo (30), wearing a Dodgers uniform with Ohtani’s name on it, said, “I have been a fan of Ohtani since my time with the LA Angels. “I am thrilled to be able to see Ohtani in person,” he said. “I also have tickets to the second game of the Major League Opening Game. “I look forward to the play of major leaguers, including Ohtani,” he said. Kiwoom coach Hong Won-ki, who is competing against the Dodgers, is equally excited. Coach Hong said, “Playing with an MLB team is meaningful in itself, and we are preparing for the opening game, and it is an honor to be able to participate in such a festival.” To welcome guests, the city of Seoul completely replaced the artificial turf at Gocheok Dome and increased the brightness of the baseball stadium lights. In addition, Kiwoom allowed the Dodgers to use the home team's locker room during the Seoul Series. 19가이드03