1. Introduction to the text
Baseball has a rich history in Korea, deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural and societal development. Originally introduced by American missionaries in the late 19th century, the sport quickly gained popularity and became a beloved national pastime. Today, professional baseball in Korea is a thriving industry, captivating fans with its high-level competition and deep-rooted traditions.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 야구 | yagoo | baseball |
| 프로야구 | pro yagoo | professional baseball |
| 구단 | goodan | team, club |
| 선수 | seonsu | player |
| 감독 | gamdok | manager |
| 타자 | taja | batter |
| 투수 | toosu | pitcher |
| 야구장 | yagoonjang | baseball stadium |
| 관중 | gwanjung | spectators |
| 응원 | eungwon | cheering |
| 전통 | jeontong | tradition |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국 프로야구는 1982년에 출범했다.
Professional baseball in Korea was established in 1982.
당시에는 단 6개 구단이 있었지만, 지금은 10개 구단이 있다.
Initially, there were only 6 teams, but now there are 10 teams.
가장 유명한 구단은 삼성 라이온즈와 LG 트윈스이다.
The most famous teams are the Samsung Lions and the LG Twins.
프로야구 선수들은 매우 열심히 훈련하고 경기에 임한다.
Professional baseball players train very hard and approach their games with dedication.
타자들은 공을 멀리 치기 위해 노력하고, 투수들은 정확하게 공을 던지려 한다.
Batters strive to hit the ball far, while pitchers aim to throw accurately.
야구장에는 많은 관중이 모여 자신이 좋아하는 팀을 응원한다.
Baseball stadiums are filled with spectators cheering for their favorite teams.
한국 야구는 오랜 전통을 가지고 있으며, 팬들에게 큰 인기를 누리고 있다.
Korean baseball has a long tradition and enjoys immense popularity among fans.
최근에는 한국 선수들이 미국 메이저리그에 진출하기 시작했다.
Recently, Korean players have started to make their way into the American Major Leagues.
이는 한국 야구 실력이 세계적 수준에 올랐음을 보여준다.
This demonstrates that the level of Korean baseball has reached global standards.
한국 프로야구는 계속해서 발전할 것이며, 더욱 많은 팬들을 끌어들일 것이다.
Professional baseball in Korea will continue to grow and attract even more fans.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. When was professional baseball established in Korea?
2. What are the two most famous baseball teams mentioned in the text?
3. How do batters and pitchers approach their roles differently?
4. Describe the atmosphere at Korean baseball stadiums.
5. What recent development demonstrates the global recognition of Korean baseball?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Baseball has deep cultural roots in Korea, with the first games being introduced by American missionaries in the late 19th century. Over time, the sport gained immense popularity, particularly after the establishment of the professional league in 1982. Korean baseball has developed its own unique traditions, such as the enthusiastic cheering and support from fans, and the intense rivalries between teams like the Samsung Lions and LG Twins.