Korea is the undisputed home of eSports.
The country has been at the forefront of competitive gaming since the early 1960s, and its dominance in recent years has propelled eSports into the mainstream. There are many reasons for Korea's success in eSports, but here are some of the most important ones.
Let's get into it.
Where It All Began
Korean eSports can be dated back to the early 1960s when the first video game tournaments were held.
Since then, Korea's gaming culture has developed and grown, with the Korean e-Sports Players Association (KeSPA) being founded in 2000 as a way to regulate professional competitions and players.
Nowadays, KeSPA is one of the most well-funded and well-organized sporting bodies in the world. They have invested heavily in training programs for players and developing infrastructure for competitive gaming. This commitment to excellence has helped create a culture of competitiveness and discipline among Korean gamers that is unrivaled anywhere else.
Players from Korea are some of the best in the world. This is backed by the existence of KeSPA and the fact that Korea offers access to training programs like Gaming School and DragonX. Players who come through these government and private-funded programs are dedicating their lives to being eSports players and have a far greater advantage over other players from around the world.
Korea's Unique eSports Culture
The Korean competitive gaming culture is unique in its dedication to skill and excellence. There are countless stories of players training for hours and days on end, honing their skills and strategy before competitions. This level of dedication is unparalleled in other countries, which makes it harder for competitors from outside the country to compete with Korean players.
Korea is also home to some of the most dedicated fans in eSports. The country's "PC Bangs" are legendary – these are gaming centers where people can go and play games for hours, often spending entire days at them. This has created a real sense of community around gaming and eSports, which is something that fans around the world have adopted.
Korea is also a hotspot for eSports events – with some of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments being held in the country. This has helped expose more people to competitive gaming, as well as given players from other countries an opportunity to compete against the best in Korea.
It's All About Background & Class
Interestingly, a WIRED interview dove into the subject of why so many of the world's best eSports players were from Korea, in addition to everything we've spoken about above. In the article, it turns out that many Korean players come from working-class backgrounds, which plays a huge part in why Koreans are leading the charge.
The truth is that the best players come from working-class backgrounds for one simple reason. These players have almost nothing to lose and everything to gain. This means that they are willing to put in the hard work, dedication, and hours of practice required to become a professional player.
And players in this working-class don't even need their own gaming home setup. Korea has more gaming cafes (PC Bangs) than any other country in the world, so the infrastructure is there to support these players.
When you compare this to someone who lives in the Western world, such as the UK or the US, the vast majority of which has video game lovers who sit in the middle class, can afford their own setups, and don't have as much to gain from competitive gaming (as they may not need the money).
Because of this, the edge that Korean players have is tangible, and it's a large part of why the country continues to dominate eSports.
How to Find Out More About Korean eSports Culture
If you're interested in learning more about Korean eSports culture, there are plenty of ways to do so. The internet is full of resources and guides that can teach you the basics of how to get involved in competitive gaming.
Moreover, numerous YouTube channels have emerged over the years, which provide a unique insight into the world of Korean eSports and the players who make it so special.
Here at Mandu Market, we also have a huge database of content on the world of eSports and Korean culture, which is well worth checking out.
Aside from that, the best place to get involved is to head over to Twitch or YouTube to find some Korean streamers, research the teams, watch the tournaments, and overall immerse yourself in the world. It's very rewarding and can be absolutely nail-biting when your favorite team is taking it to the world stage.
And, if you want to experience the Korean eSports world firsthand, then don't be afraid to create an account in the Korean region and play with the Korean players yourself. If you're in the US or Europe, your ping will probably be a little high, but this might not be so bad as you get used to it.
Games like League of Legends, Overwatch, PUBG, and many more all have large Korean presences and many active services, so why not give it a shot? Who knows, you might find yourself addicted to the world of eSports.
Conclusion
It's clear that Korea has become one of the leading countries in competitive gaming, and there are several reasons for this.
From their dedication to training programs and infrastructure to their unique culture around gaming and eSports, as well as the dedication of players from working-class backgrounds – it all adds up to a powerful combination that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world.
It's this dedication and commitment to excellence that has seen Korea become one of the most successful countries in eSports, and they are unlikely to be dethroned any time soon.