Gimhae FC 2008


Gimhae FC 2008 is a South Korean professional football club based in the city of Gimhae which competes in the K League 2, the second tier of South Korean football. The club was founded on 25 January 2008, and competed in the National League until 2019, when that league was merged with the K3 League will play until 2025.

History

The team was founded as Gimhae City Hall Football Club on 25 January 2008 to participate in the National League.
2008 – Inaugural Season
In their first season out, the Gimhae finished 5th in both the first and second stages of the season, giving them a final position of 5th overall.
2009 Season
In their second season out, Gimhae managed to top the table in the first stage of the season, earning them a spot in the championship playoffs. In the semi-final, they beat Suwon City FC 2-1, but lost 2–4 on aggregate to Gangneung City FC.
2010–2019 Seasons
During the next decade, Gimhae finished mostly in the bottom half of the table, the exceptions being 2017 and 2018. For these two seasons, the top three positions in the league were identical, leading to similar playoff stories. Gimhae would beat Cheonan City on aggregate to advance to the final, where they would lose to Gyeongju KHNP on aggregate. In 2017 the score was 3-2 for Gyeongju, and in 2018 it was 4-1 for Gyeongju.
2019 would be their final season as a National League team, as the league was integrated into a restructured K3 League.
2020 Season – K3 League
Gimhae managed to finish at the top of the K3 League table, allowing them to go straight to the championship final where they finally managed to beat Gyeongju KHNP FC in the final with an aggregate score of 2-1.
2021–2024 Seasons
Over the next few seasons the team finished in the top half of the table, but with the playoff system abolished, there were no more opportunities to become champions other than finishing first overall. Gimhae Citizen announce that club change name to Gimhae FC 2008 from 2025 season.
2025 Season – Final in Third tier
The team started the season well, earning 10 victories, 1 draw and one loss from their first 12 matches. The last 7 matches of which were consecutive victories.
2025 would be their final season as a K3 League team, as the league was switched into a professional team in K League 2.
On 2 November 2025, Gimhae secure champions of K3 League after draw against Pocheon Citizen 1–1 with one game remaining and second title of K3 League previously in 2020.
2026 season – K League 2
On 16 January 2026, Gimhae FC 2008 announce official confirmation participate for K League 2 after final approval membership in K League.
On 18 January 2026, Gimhae FC 2008 announce official first home match in K League 2 against Ansan Greeners on 28 February 2026 at Gimhae Sports Complex.

Honours

Domestic competitions

League

  • National League
  • * Runner-up : 2009
  • K3 League
  • * Champions : 2020, 2025

    Cups

  • National Sports Festival
  • * Silver medal : 2014

    Season by season record

Current squad

As of 31 January 2026.

Backroom staff

Coaching staff

  • Manager: Son Hyun-jun
  • Assistant manager: Choi Myung-sung
  • Goalkeeping coach: Baek Min-chul
  • Coach: Kim Je-hwan
  • Fitness coach: Moon min-sung