South Korea: FA Cup 2024, all matches

The Korea Cup, officially known as the KFA Cup or the Korea Football Association Cup, is the country's premier cup tournament and has been held annually since 1970. The tournament attracts teams from all levels, from the top division K League 1 clubs to semi-professional and amateur teams from the lower leagues.

The tournament format is a straight-elimination system, with teams from the lower divisions entering in the early stages, and clubs from the K League 1 joining in the later stages, adding intrigue and the potential for surprises. Each match is played until one of the teams wins, and in the event of a tie after regulation time, overtime and, if necessary, a penalty shootout are called.

One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Korea Cup occurred in 2004, when the Jeonnam Dragons of the K League 1 won the tournament after participating in the very first round. This success demonstrated that even the favourites can face serious opposition at any stage of the tournament.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings hold the record for most Cup wins, having won the trophy five times, highlighting their consistency and high standards over the years. In recent years, clubs such as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan Hyundai have also stood out, traditionally showing strong performances in both the domestic league and the Cup.

A special feature of the tournament is the opportunity for lesser-known clubs to make a name for themselves on the domestic stage. Lower-division clubs often create sensations by defeating more famous opponents. For example, in 2017, Bucheon 1995 from K League 2 reached the semi-finals, leaving behind several clubs from the top division.

The Korean Cup is also important for the clubs as the winners qualify for the AFC Champions League, making the tournament not only prestigious but also extremely significant in the context of Asian football. This adds extra motivation for teams to fight for victory, regardless of their position in the domestic league.