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Critical Interpretation of Spatiality in Professional Korean Football Stadiums: Relph’s Theory of Placeness

Author

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  • Wanyoung Lee

    (Hanyang University, South Korea)

  • Yoonso Choi

    (Konkuk University, South Korea)

Abstract

This research analyzes Korean professional soccer stadiums using Relph’s concept of placelessness to understand why Korean professional soccer has rapidly declined in popularity and become a minority fan sport. Qualitative research methods were used to conduct a narrative analysis. The interview content was analyzed, and four problems were identified. The findings show that these stadiums are (1) a uniform space that excludes local culture, (2) used as a profit-generating tool for large corporations, (3) spaces controlled by the state, and (4) maximizing economic efficiency. Therefore, they have been used as a uniform space for social, cultural, political, and economic purposes. The Korean national soccer team’s performance in international competitions seems to be satisfactory. However, the domestic professional soccer league is in a vulnerable condition. Thus, these stadiums should be established as true places by removing the element of placelessness in order to recover the popularity of Korean professional soccer.

Suggested Citation

  • Wanyoung Lee & Yoonso Choi, 2024. "Critical Interpretation of Spatiality in Professional Korean Football Stadiums: Relph’s Theory of Placeness," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(1), pages 204-220, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:1:p:204-220
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804231172035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tim F. Thormann & Pamela Wicker, 2021. "Willingness-to-Pay for Environmental Measures in Non-Profit Sport Clubs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-19, March.
    2. Austin J. Drukker & Ted Gayer & Alexander K. Gold, 2020. "Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds and the Financing of Professional Sports Stadiums," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 73(1), pages 157-196, March.
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    4. John Charles Bradbury, 2022. "The impact of sports stadiums on localized commercial activity: Evidence from a Business Improvement District," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(1), pages 194-217, January.
    5. Shang Chun Ma & Kyriaki (Kiki) Kaplanidou, 2017. "Examining the Importance of Legacy Outcomes of Major Sport Events for Host City Residents’ Quality of Life," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 12(4), pages 903-923, December.
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