krK League 1

The city of Daejeon — a club founded in 1997, which changed its name and colours after being taken over by the Hana financial group.

The city of Gimcheon — an army club, where most South Korean professional footballers complete their compulsory military service.

The steel city of Pohang (home of POSCO) — Korea's oldest professional club, founded in 1973.

The city of Jeonju — a club sponsored by the carmaker Hyundai, long the most successful team in the K League.

The port city of Incheon — a club founded in 2003, playing at a stadium built for the 2002 World Cup.

Gangwon province — a regional club that alternates home matches between the cities of Chuncheon and Gangneung.

The capital Seoul — one of the country's most followed clubs, formerly playing under the name LG Cheetahs.

Jeju island — the league's only island club, who changed their name from Jeju United in 2025 following a new sponsor, SK.

The industrial city of Ulsan (Hyundai shipyards) — the most successful K League club of the last decade.

The city of Gwangju — a citizen club founded in 2010, playing at a football stadium right in the city centre.

The city of Anyang in Gyeonggi province — promoted to K League 1 in 2025.

The city of Bucheon in Gyeonggi province — a citizen club with its founding year directly in the name.