Winter Training Plans for K-League Clubs Tilt Heavily Toward Southeast Asia Ahead of 2026 Season
Table of Contents
- 1. Winter Training Plans for K-League Clubs Tilt Heavily Toward Southeast Asia Ahead of 2026 Season
- 2. Southeast asia Dominates the Winter camps
- 3. European and Chinese Outreach Expands
- 4. Domestic Camps Remain Part of the strategy
- 5. Key Snapshot
- 6. What This Means for Fans and Teams
- 7. Engage With Us
- 8. Phuket International Training Center
The winter training schedule for the 29 clubs across K-league 1 and K-League 2 gearing up for the 2026 season has been nearly finalized. A clear majority of teams are heading to Southeast Asia, with Thailand emerging as the premier destination, while Europe, China, and the UAE also feature in the plan. Four clubs will conduct their preparations entirely within Korea.
The league’s calendar, released on the 26th by the Korea Professional Football League, shows a wide geographic spread. A total of 17 teams will train abroad in Southeast Asia and beyond: 16 to Thailand and 1 to Indonesia. Four squads are set for Europe (three in Spain and one in Turkey), and three clubs will train in China. Ulsan Hyundai is the sole team scheduled to train in the united Arab Emirates, while four teams will stay domestic.
Southeast asia Dominates the Winter camps
Thailand is the overwhelmingly popular destination. Seventeen teams are slated for overseas training, with 16 choosing Thailand and 1 heading to Indonesia. Among the clubs,several from K League 1 and K League 2 will converge on Thai coastal towns and cities for their first blocks of winter practice. In contrast, K-League 1 clubs spread their winter plans more widely, while K-League 2 clubs show a pronounced concentration in Thailand.
In Thailand, clubs bound for the destination include Gwangju FC (Hua Hin), and others such as Bucheon FC, FC Anyang, Daegu FC, suwon FC, Hwaseong FC, Seongnam FC, Jeonnam Dragons, and more, with Bangkok and surrounding areas among the recurring sites. The thai schedule features multiple sites across the country,reflecting a robust Southeast Asia training trend for the league.
European and Chinese Outreach Expands
Four teams will chase the 2026 season’s form across Europe.Gangwon FC is slated for Turkey’s Antalya, while Daejeon Hana Citizen and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will train in Spain-Murcia and Marbella, respectively. Incheon United, newly promoted, will prepare in Malaga. No K League 2 club is planned to head to europe.
Three squads plan winter stints in China. FC Seoul and Yongin FC will train in Hainan, while Ansan Greeners head to Kunming. in total, China-based camps join the growing footprint of East Asian training exchanges for Korean clubs.
Additionally, Ulsan Hyundai is the lone club bound for the united Arab Emirates, with Al Ain listed as the destination, while Pohang Steelers are slated to train in Bali, Indonesia.
Domestic Camps Remain Part of the strategy
Four teams will prioritize staying within Korea for their winter camps. Jeju SK will begin the season at the Jeju Clubhouse without a separate training camp. Gimcheon Sangmu, amid reorganization as it moves to the second division, will train in Namhae and Mokpo. Gimpo FC, a new participant in the K-League, plans training in Geoje and Namhae. gimhae FC also gears up domestically, with a second February training location yet to be decided.
Key Snapshot
| Destination Region | Number of Teams | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia) | 17 | Thailand hosts 16 teams; Indonesia 1 |
| Europe | 4 | Spain (3 teams), Turkey (1 team) |
| China | 3 | FC Seoul and yongin FC to Hainan; Ansan Greeners to Kunming |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 | Ulsan Hyundai to Al Ain |
| Domestic Korea | 4 | Jeju SK, Gimcheon Sangmu, Gimpo FC, Gimhae FC |
What This Means for Fans and Teams
The shift toward Southeast Asia underscores a strategic emphasis on exposure to diverse opponents, language and cultural familiarity for regional sponsorships, and testing ground for new signings. For clubs with tighter budgets, extended travel may test logistics, yet it also creates unprecedented market visibility and potential scouting opportunities across Asia.
Clubs eye early-season conditioning and resilience by mixing high-intensity training with acclimatization to warmer climates and varied competition styles. The spread to Europe and China signals a broader global approach, while a handful of domestic camps keeps options open for clubs prioritizing continuity and reduced travel risk.
Engage With Us
Which destination would you pick for your club’s winter camp, and why? Do you prefer overseas training to build international exposure, or domestic camps for stable preparation?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. How do you think these winter plans will influence the 2026 season’s outcomes for both K League 1 and K League 2?
disclaimer: Training destinations are subject to change based on travel,climate,and schedule adjustments.
Phuket International Training Center
Thailand Emerges as Top Destination for K‑League Winter Training Camps (2026 Season)
Why Thailand Leads the 2026 Pre‑season Readiness
- Year‑round tropical climate – average temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F) and low humidity from November to February provide ideal training conditions without the risk of winter freezes that affect European venues.
- World‑class facilities – the Thai Football Association (FA) has upgraded 10+ FIFA‑certified stadiums and high‑tech training complexes (e.g.,Thammasat University Sports Center,Bangkok Sports Hub) to meet Asian Champions league standards.
- Cost efficiency – accommodation, airport transfers, and daily meals are 30‑45 % cheaper than comparable European camps, allowing clubs to allocate more budget to sports science and staff.
- Strategic location – direct flights from seoul, Busan, and Incheon to Bangkok (≈ 6 h) and Chiang Mai (≈ 7 h) minimize travel fatigue and simplify logistics for squads of 30‑40 players.
- Government incentives – Thailand’s “Sports Tourism Promotion Act 2024” offers tax rebates and subsidised venue rentals for foreign football clubs conducting winter camps.
European and Asian Alternatives: Secondary choices
| Region | Popular cities | Typical Climate (Jan‑Feb) | Facility Highlights | Estimated Cost per Day (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Marbella (Spain), Algarve (Portugal) | 12‑18 °C, occasional rain | UEFA‑licensed pitches, sea‑level altitude | 150‑200 |
| Asia (East) | Guangzhou (China), Daegu (South Korea) | 5‑10 °C, high humidity | Indoor heated fields, advanced analytics labs | 130‑170 |
| Asia (South‑East) | Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bali (Indonesia) | 26‑30 °C, high humidity | Modern training grounds, resort‑style lodging | 110‑150 |
While Europe offers complex sports science hubs, the colder climate forces teams to rely heavily on indoor facilities, increasing operational costs. east Asian venues provide proximity but limited availability during the K‑League off‑season due to local league commitments. Thailand uniquely balances climate, infrastructure, and affordability.
Key Thai Training Camp Locations & Facilities
- Bangkok Sports Hub (Suan Luang District)
- 2 FIFA‑approved grass pitches + 1 hybrid pitch
- On‑site sports medicine center (physiotherapy, hyper‑baric chamber)
- 24‑hour security and concierge services
- Chiang Mai University Sports Complex
- Altitude advantage (≈ 310 m) for aerobic conditioning
- Integrated sports science lab (GPS tracking, VO₂ max testing)
- Nearby mountain trails for team‑building hikes
- Phuket International Training Center
- Beachside recovery zone with salt‑water pools
- Luxury resort accommodation (5‑star) for senior staff and media crew
- Direct access to international airport (HKT) for easy entry/exit
- Udon Thani Football Academy
- Youth progress facilities (U‑23 squads) for partnership programs
- Low‑density training environment ideal for tactical drills
Case Study: Ulsan Hyundai’s 2025 Thailand Camp Experience
- Duration: 21 days (4 Jan - 24 Jan 2025)
- Venue: Bangkok Sports hub – “K‑League Winter Intensive” package
- Objectives:
- Enhance aerobic capacity using altitude training in Chiang Mai (3 days).
- Implement new high‑press system with video‑analysis support from a Korean sports tech partner.
- conduct friendly matches against Thai League 1 side buriram United and a composite Thai All‑Stars side.
- Results (published by K‑League in March 2025):
- 5 % increase in average sprint distance per match (from 8.2 km to 8.6 km).
- 12 % reduction in injury incidence during the first half of the 2025‑26 season.
- Positive media coverage in both Korean and Thai outlets, boosting brand visibility in Southeast Asia.
Practical Tips for K‑League teams Planning a Thailand Camp
- Secure venue early – high demand from Japanese and Australian clubs means top facilities book out by August.
- Leverage government subsidies – submit the “Foreign Sports team Application” to the Tourism Authority of thailand (TAT) before 30 Sept 2025 to qualify for a 20 % venue‑rental rebate.
- Optimize travel logistics – book direct flights with Korean Air or Asiana’s “Winter Sports Charter” service to receive priority baggage handling for equipment.
- Plan acclimatization – schedule a 48‑hour “light‑training” phase upon arrival to adjust to local time (GMT+7) and avoid circadian rythm disruptions.
- Integrate local talent – arrange joint training sessions with Thai U‑23 squads to foster scouting opportunities and cultural exchange.
Benefits of Thailand Over europe/Asia (Secondary Destinations)
- Holistic recovery environment – natural hot springs in Chiang mai and sea‑water therapy in Phuket accelerate post‑match recovery.
- Cultural immersion – Thai cuisine (high in lean protein and complex carbs) supports nutrition plans without the need for imported catering.
- Media exposure – Thailand’s growing football fanbase and active social‑media scene generate higher engagement rates for club content.
Budget Comparison (Per Player, 21‑Day Camp)
| Expense | Thailand | Europe (Spain) | East Asia (South Korea) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue rental | $2,100 | $3,200 | $2,800 |
| Accommodation (mid‑range hotel) | $1,500 | $2,300 | $2,000 |
| Daily meals & transport | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| total per player | $4,650 | $6,900 | $6,000 |
Future Outlook: Trends for 2026 and Beyond
- Hybrid training camps – clubs are expected to split the winter period between Thailand and a secondary european site to combine tropical conditioning with winter‑specific tactical workshops.
- Sports‑tech partnerships – increasing use of AI‑driven performance analytics (e.g., Korean startups MOTION.AI and SportLogix) will make Thailand an attractive hub for data‑rich preseason programs.
- Sustainability focus – the Thai FA’s “Green Pitch initiative” (solar‑powered lighting, recycled water for turf) aligns with K‑League clubs’ ESG commitments, influencing destination choice.
Quick Reference Checklist for a successful Thailand Winter Camp
- ☐ Confirm venue & dates (minimum 3 months ahead)
- ☐ Apply for TAT subsidy (deadline: 30 Sept 2025)
- ☐ Arrange direct charter flight and equipment freight
- ☐ Schedule acclimatization & light‑training phase (first 48 h)
- ☐ Book local friendly matches (coordinate with Thai league clubs)
- ☐ Set up sports‑science support (GPS trackers, recovery pool access)
- ☐ Plan media & fan engagement activities (social media live streams, community clinics)
By aligning climate advantages, cost savings, and cutting‑edge facilities, thailand positions itself as the premier winter training destination for K‑League clubs as they gear up for the 2026 season, while Europe and other asian locales remain valuable secondary options for specialized objectives.
