Mobis Madness: Basketball’s Craziest Month as Seen Courtside in Korea
Ulsan, South Korea is known for operating the world’s largest car manufacturing plant that is Hyundai, Ulsan University and for its close proximity to the popular seaside town of Busan. What many people don’t know about the city is that it is home to what I am betting is this year’s national basketball champion, Ulsan Mobis. Matt and I have followed this team, attending KBL home games since the season began in October. We have seen them crush teams from Deagu to Seoul and last night watched a nail biting match between Mobis and Dongbu. With March madness in full swing in the States, and us feeling a little left out of the action, Mobis has presented an opportunity to get in on the competitive nature of the season. But like everything else here, cultural differences abound, making the whole experience of game day both entertaining and eye opening.
Koreans are competitive to say the least. And even beyond this point is an ingrained sense of national pride, apparent on and off the court. The fans are louder, and more dedicated to helping their team to victory. When walking into the Ulsan basketball stadium you are not just offered a banner or noise maker. You are required to take one of the free signs that can be folded into an accordion, which when smacked against your thigh in unison with other fans, makes the unmistakable sound of loyalty. While there is a skilled cheerleading squad to get the crowd pumped up in between their numerous costume changes, there is also a sort of MC of spirit at the Korean basketball game. Dressed like a matador, the spirit master is perched on a stage, working the crowd throughout the game, calling chants, stomping, taunting and waving his arms wildly in order to rouse the spirit of the audience.
No sporting event would be complete without game food. While soda pop and chips are available, the favorite grub of the game goers is, hands down, fried squid legs served in a similar fashion as french fries in a bucket with optional ketchup. Audience members can also snack on fish on a stick or insect larvae. During at least two points every game, free pizza or doughnuts are handed out by cheerleaders to the audience members making the most noise. We witnessed a Korean mother wrestling a young boy to the ground during Monday’s game in order to get her hands on some free snacks. Items given out or auctioned to fans who stick around after the match may include: Toilet paper, razors, cleaning products or a Hyundai sedan.
While competative, Korea is certainly fair and democratic in their sportsmanship. This point is driven home by the “Two foreigner” rule, where only two foreign players are allowed on each KBL team. Further more only one of these foreign players is allowed to play at a time. This rule results in eight Korean players on the court during a game and two super tall black players meeting the team’s slam dunk quota. It’s great to see these teams compiled of both native and foreign players and in the case of team Mobis, their combined skills have lead them to this year’s semi-finals.
Without fail Matt and I are pictured up on the big screen at least once a game, Matt thinks it is a coincidence, I think it is because my hair is the color of straw. We have found that if we kiss while being broadcast to other audience members, we walk away with prizes, so Matt always gets really excited when the cameras come by. The whole evening is always memorable, comical and filled with many of the things we miss from home as well as some of the things we have come to appreciate about Korea. Game three of the semi-finals is tonight for Mobis, and we will hopefully be attending an Ulsan finals game beginning next Saturday the 3rd. Here is a good link if you are interested in following Mobis or other KBL teams:
http://www.asia-basket.com/South-Korea/games-schedule.asp?League=1&LName=KBL
Enjoy the rest of March madness in the West and be sure and root for Ulsan Mobis in the coming week!
Practicing our 3-point shot while making good use of scooter helmets on a rainy afternoon.
Teachtravelplay's Blog 
Hi guys
Just moved to SK three weeks ago, and loving it. Teaching is good so far, and loving the people and the Korea. Thanks for a great blog, you have given me some great ideas and really great info. See you in June for the Jeju marathon (or maybe the half 🙂
Again, great blog!!