In March, two teams from Major League Baseball (MLB) visited Korea to play against local teams as well as each other. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres took part in six games, bringing MLB action to the nation for the first time.

The event also attracted worldwide attention because it was the debut of Shohei Ohtani with his new team. The popular Japanese power hitter and pitcher made headlines during the free agency* period by signing a massive contract with the Dodgers.

In addition, Korean baseball fans were thrilled to see Korean star Kim Ha-seong of the Padres up close and in person. The 28-year-old shortstop began his stellar career in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO)* before joining San Diego in 2020.

“It’s a special moment for me to play in my home country,” Kim said to reporters.

Four of the six games were exhibition matches in which the MLB teams faced off against local squads, including a game apiece against the Korean national team. The Dodgers also went up against the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO, while the Padres took on the LG Twins.

Although the Dodgers and the Padres won all four exhibition games, the Korean players said they nevertheless enjoyed the unique experience.

On March 20th and 21st, the highlight of the tour took place with the two MLB teams playing their official season-openers at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.

In front of a sold-out crowd at the indoor venue, the Dodgers rallied to capture the first game by a score of 5 to 2. Then, the Padres won the wildly entertaining second game that included 33 total hits and concluded with a 15-11 score.

Afterward, as both teams left to return to the U.S., they thanked Korea again for the invitation.

“Bringing Major League Baseball here to Korea has been a win for everyone,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

* MLB (Major League Baseball) 메이저리, 미국 프로야구

* free agency 자유 계약 (자신이 속한 팀에서 일정 기간 활동한 뒤 다른 팀으로 자유롭게 이적할 수 있는 제도)

* Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) 한국야구위원회