description K League 2 Overview
K League 2 is South Korea's second-tier professional men's football competition. It was established in 2013 as part of the country's two-level K League structure, with clubs competing for promotion to K League 1 and, under the competition's rules, facing relegation or promotion playoffs. The league is organized for professional football clubs in South Korea and serves as the principal national division below the top flight. Its clubs compete during a domestic league season.
help K League 2 FAQ
What was K League 2 originally called when it launched?
The competition was established in 2013 as the K League Challenge, creating a second tier beneath the top flight. It was renamed K League 2 as part of the league's rebranding in 2018.
How does a K League 2 club earn promotion to K League 1?
The champions are promoted directly to K League 1 at the end of the season. The top finishers below them typically enter playoffs, which can also involve a K League 1 club fighting to stay up, though exact formats have varied by year.
Can K League 2 clubs be relegated?
Yes, under rules introduced in the early 2020s, the bottom club can face a promotion-relegation playoff against a K3 League side. This linked the professional second tier to South Korea's semi-professional third tier for the first time.
Which clubs are notable in K League 2?
Gimcheon Sangmu, the military club where South Korean players complete their service, has won the second tier more than once and repeatedly bounced between divisions. The league has also served as a springboard for clubs like FC Anyang, which won promotion to K League 1 in recent seasons.
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