Seongnam ROX Triumphs As Gaming Culture Booms In Korea

As the autumn breeze sweeps through South Korea, a new chapter in the nation’s gaming culture is unfolding. The 2025 Korean e-Sports League (KEL) and a surge in innovative game-themed venues are drawing fans, families, and competitors alike, signaling a vibrant era for the country’s ever-evolving digital entertainment scene.

On October 11, 2025, the Daejeon e-Sports Stadium in Yuseong-gu buzzed with excitement as the final day of the KEL's 'Eternal Return' category played out before an enthusiastic crowd. This event, part of the inaugural season of the regionally-based KEL, was designed to crown the top 'Eternal Return' team in the nation. Eight elite squads, including FN Sejong, Daegu Suseong Guardians, Jecheon Phalanx, Always Incheon, Gyeonggi Inate, Seongnam ROX, Daejeon Auto Arms, and CNJ e-Sports, battled fiercely for the honor of becoming the league's first champions. According to Daily Game, the tournament employed a 'check point' rule: teams needed to surpass 65 points, then survive subsequent rounds to claim victory.

After eight weeks of full-league matches starting in May, the intensity reached its peak. Seongnam ROX, maintaining a steady mid-tier position, reached the crucial 67-point threshold by the sixth match. Their momentum carried them through to the eighth round, where they overcame Jecheon Phalanx in a tense final duel, earning them the championship trophy and a place in KEL history.

The win was a milestone for both the team and its individual members. Kim Ji-woo, known in the e-sports world as 'Hyanggi,' shared his elation: "The KEL championship is my first offline tournament win, so it feels even more special." Team captain Park Jong-ho, or 'Curry,' echoed the sentiment, saying, "After such a long journey, winning is indescribably joyful." Teammate Byun Jun-young, or 'Saten,' reflected on the team’s perseverance: "It’s the result of a lot of hard work and effort." Meanwhile, Yoon Tae-hee, nicknamed 'Belzer,' expressed gratitude despite not playing in the final round: "I’m just happy and moved that our team won."

Seongnam ROX’s players praised the KEL’s regular scheduling and regional structure. Park Jong-ho remarked, "It’s great that we can offer fans exciting matches every month, and I personally enjoyed visiting so many places I’d never been before." Kim Ji-woo added, "Participating in KEL helped us collect real-game data and improve our ability to adapt to unexpected situations." When asked about advancing to the finals based on their performance on the first day rather than overall ranking, Byun Jun-young responded positively: "We made it in the end, so I don’t mind. Plus, it meant we could show fans even more matches." He also revealed his mental approach during tense moments: "I kept telling myself that if we performed well just once when it mattered, we could win. I never gave up."

The turning point, according to Yoon Tae-hee, came in the seventh round. "Up until then, it felt like we were just racking up points, but from the seventh round on, we really started playing like champions," he said. Yet, there were lessons to be learned. Byun Jun-young admitted, "We had some issues with vision checks and got caught off guard a few times. We’ll need to focus more on that for future tournaments."

Teamwork was at the heart of their success. Kim Ji-woo singled out 'Saten' Byun Jun-young as the day’s MVP: "He’s the backbone of our team, always steady in crisis." Both Byun and Yoon praised captain Park Jong-ho: "His presence makes a huge difference—when he’s on the field, you can always count on a strong performance." Ultimately, Park spread the credit around: "Everyone, including those who stayed on the bench, contributed to our victory."

As the interview wrapped up, the Seongnam ROX players made sure to thank their supporters. "We couldn’t have done it without the fans who were with us through the ups and downs," they said. "We promise to keep practicing hard and show even better performances in the future."

While KEL’s competitive drama has captured headlines, South Korea’s gaming culture is also thriving in new, more social forms. According to a report from Kyunghyang Games on October 10, 2025, game-themed venues—ranging from immersive cafes to high-tech game rooms—are becoming increasingly popular, especially among the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z) and families. These spaces are not just about playing games—they’re about community, creativity, and shared experiences.

One standout is the 'Genshin Cafe in Seoul,' located near Hongdae’s Tivat Tower. This five-story haven for fans of the subculture game 'Genshin Impact' offers an array of menu items inspired by the game’s universe, exclusive merchandise, and regular themed events. Uniquely, unlike typical pop-up stores, this cafe is open indefinitely, a testament to the enduring passion of its fanbase. After a recent renovation to introduce the 'Fontaine & Lynette' theme, interest has surged, and all seats now require individual reservations. The cafe operates from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with different zones allocated for set time slots—90 minutes for the cafe area, 60 for the merchandise floor.

Meanwhile, game rooms such as 'One Room' in Seoul’s Seocho-gu, which opened on September 26, 2025, are redefining how people socialize and play. Equipped with high-end PCs and consoles, these venues cater to everyone from hardcore gamers to casual visitors. They often operate around the clock and host special events and tournaments, making them hot spots for weekend and evening gatherings. As Kyunghyang Games points out, these game rooms are helping to revitalize local economies by attracting visitors and encouraging spending in the neighborhood.

Of course, running such venues isn’t without its challenges. Maintaining hygiene and managing user behavior are ongoing concerns, but the positive impact on local culture and the sense of community they foster are undeniable. The popularity of these spaces is expected to keep growing well into 2026 and beyond.

Adding to the autumn excitement, game developer HoYoverse is staging 'HoyoLand 2025,' a major offline event at Ilsan’s KINTEX from October 9 to 12, showcasing five of its hit titles in one place. The event is drawing crowds from across the country, further cementing South Korea’s status as a global gaming hub.

As the leaves turn and the air cools, it’s clear that gaming in South Korea is about much more than pixels and prizes. Whether in the heat of e-sports competition or the camaraderie of a themed cafe, the spirit of play is bringing people together, shaping culture, and creating memories that will last long after the final round is over.