Daejeon Hana Citizen FC

First steps into the K League (1997)

Following the foundation of the professional football league (the Korean Super League, reorganized as the K League in 1998) in Korea, there were few league matches held in Daejeon, and such matches that were held were played by visiting clubs. The absence of a local team in the league made it difficult for the citizens of Daejeon to identify with any particular team. However, in 1996 a plan to establish 'Daejeon Citizen' – their own local community club – was unveiled, which meant the citizens of Daejeon would have their own team to support in the league. Daejeon was the first club that did not belong to a major company, and would play in the Daejeon Hanbat Stadium.

Kim Ki-bok was appointed the first manager of Daejeon Citizen. With high expectations, Daejeon took their first step in the K League in 1997, opening their season with a match vs. Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i. However, the results achieved in their first season did not live up to expectations. Although the club placed seventh in the league, ahead of Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma, Anyang LG Cheetahs, and Bucheon SK, they won only three matches out of 18 games.

The IMF Crisis (1998–2000)

In 1998, a major economic crisis hit the South Korean economy. Daejeon Citizen did not escape this crisis unscathed. The main board of Daejeon consisted of 4 groups – Kyeryong Construction Industrial, Dong-A Construction, DongYang Department Store and Chungcheong Bank. But as a consequence…

League

K League 1 Runners-up: 2025 K League 2 Winners: 2014 Runners-up: 2021, 2022

Cups

Korean FA Cup Winners: 2001 Korean League Cup Runners-up: 2004 K League Super Cup Runners-up: 2002, 2026