| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
|---|
Teams
Hwaseong FC
Gyeongju HNP
Mokpo City
Gimhae City
Changwon City
Gangneung City
Busan Trans Corp
Daejeon Korail
Paju Citizen FC
Ulsan Citizen FC
Yangju Citizen
Pocheon Citizen FC
Siheung City AC
Chungbuk Cheongju
Cheonan City
Chuncheon FC
Yangpyeong FC
Gimpo FC
Pyeongtaek Citizen FC
Dangjin Citizen FC
Daegu FC Reserves
Yeoju
Gyeongju Citizen
Jeonju Citizen FC
Seoul Nowon United FC
Jinju Citizen FC
Goyang Citizen FC
Icheon Citizen
Seoul Jungang FC
Cheongju Jikji FC
Wikipedia - K3 League
The K3 League is the third-highest division in the South Korean football league system. It was run as an amateur league until 2019, but was relaunched as a semi-professional league after absorbing the Korea National League in 2020. It is currently contested by 16 clubs.
History
The Korean National Semi-Professional Football League was founded in 1964 and lasted until it was replaced by the Korea National League in 2003. The National League (K2 League) was established to introduce the promotion and relegation system between semi-professional clubs and K League clubs. However, National League clubs which formed independent federation were reluctant to invest for their professionalization, and the plan was miscarried due to their refusal.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) continued its plan to complete the South Korean football league system. The KFA made its amateur league K3 League in 2007, and introduced promotion and relegation in the amateur K3 League after dividing it into two divisions K3 League Advanced and K3 League Basic in 2017. Meanwhile, the number of National League clubs gradually decreased, while some of them joined second-tier professional league K League 2 (K League Challenge) or were dissolved due to financial problems. The K3 League Advanced and K3 League Basic were relaunched as semi-professional leagues under the name of K3 League and K4 League respectively, and the National League was merged into the newly-developed K3 League.
At present, there is promotion and relegation between the K3 League and K4 League, but clubs cannot be promoted from K3 to the K League 2. However, the KFA has announced plans to unify the K League system, meaning that from the 2027 season onwards, there will be promotion and relegation between the K3 League and K League 2.
The league features a diverse array of teams, including local clubs, university teams, and corporate teams, fostering a strong sense of community and regional pride. Matches are held across various stadiums throughout South Korea, drawing passionate fans who support their local teams.
The K3 League operates on a promotion and relegation system, allowing the top-performing teams to ascend to the K League 2, while the lower-ranked teams face the risk of relegation to the K4 League. This dynamic structure not only enhances the competitive spirit but also encourages clubs to develop young talent and improve their overall performance.
Throughout the season, teams compete in a round-robin format, culminating in playoffs that determine the league champion. The K3 League is not only a vital part of South Korea's football ecosystem but also a breeding ground for future stars, making it an essential component of the nation's rich sporting culture. With its commitment to fostering local talent and engaging communities, the K3 League continues to grow in popularity and significance within South Korean football.