Gwangju Champions Field Review: Section 103 Summer Tips

Heading to a summer KBO baseball game is just as much about surviving the heat as it is about cheering for your favorite team.

If you are booking seats in Section 103 on the 1st base side at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, you will want to prepare ahead. This section gets direct, intense afternoon sunlight, so having the right gear makes a massive difference in how much you enjoy the game.

I made a road trip to Gwangju Champions Field last summer in 2025 to catch an away game. Based on my firsthand experience, I have put together a list of essential packing items and what to expect from this specific seating zone.

Section 103: Sun Exposure and Field Views

Section 103 on the 1st base side sits right next to the visitor's bullpen. For me, as a Lotte Giants fan visiting Gwangju, this was the perfect spot to see my favorite players up close before the action started.

Watching the pre-game catch and warm-up stretches was incredibly immersive, and you can really feel the energy of the stadium from here during play.

However, the big trade-off here is the sun. During late afternoon games, this section takes the brunt of the direct sunlight.

Around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the heat radiating from the field gets very intense. If you are sitting here for a full three-to-four-hour game, managing your body temperature and sun exposure is absolutely critical.

Essential UV Protection Gear

For a summer game in Section 103, high-quality UV protection isn't optional—it's a necessity.

Sunscreen & Sunsticks

Because you will be exposed to the sun long before the first pitch, make sure to apply a base layer of sunscreen before arriving at the ballpark.

I highly recommend bringing a solid sunstick in your bag. It makes reapplication throughout the game quick, clean, and sweat-resistant without getting your hands messy.

Hats & Sunglasses

A good hat helps shield your face from direct heat, while polarized sunglasses are a lifesaver for cutting down on glare so you can actually follow the ball.

I brought a roll-up visor hat, which provided excellent shade for my eyes and face, allowing me to enjoy the game comfortably without constantly squinting.

Cooling Items to Beat the Korean Summer Heat

Stadium seats retain heat, and with thousands of fans cheering around you, the air can feel incredibly stagnant. Staying cool requires a bit of strategy.

Portable Fans

A powerful handheld or hands-free neck fan is a game-changer for outdoor sports in Korea.

I brought my trusted Lumena portable fan, and even on its lowest setting, the airflow was incredibly refreshing. If you plan on holding cheering tools, a hands-free neck fan is definitely the way to go.

Cooling Sheets & Wet Wipes

Menthol-infused cooling sheets applied to the back of your neck or arms help lower your skin temperature instantly, while wet wipes are perfect for wiping off sweat and stadium dust.

Note: Aerosol Cans are Banned!

I initially packed a cooling spray to help beat the heat, but I quickly learned that aerosol spray cans are strictly prohibited inside Gwangju Kia Champions Field for safety reasons.

Make sure to leave any pressurized sprays at home and stick to cooling gel patches, wipes, or electronic fans instead!

Hydration Tips

Cheering under the summer sun drains your hydration levels much faster than you think.

With all the chanting and singing that makes KBO famous, you will get thirsty very quickly.

Ice Water & Sports Drinks

While convenience stores inside the stadium sell cold drinks, bringing your own frozen water bottles helps keep your bag cool and gives you ice-cold water during the blistering early innings.

Bring an Insulated Tumbler

Pouring draft beer or sodas purchased at the stadium concessions directly into an insulated tumbler keeps your drinks ice-cold for hours, preventing them from turning lukewarm in the summer heat.

Section 103 Seating View & Final Thoughts

From Section 103, you will mostly be looking at the players from behind or from a side angle.

Because it sits so close to the outfield corner, you are quite far from home plate. However, this spot offers an incredible perspective for watching the trajectory of home runs and deep fly balls, making it an incredibly exciting place to watch the game unfold.

A summer KBO game can either be an exhausting ordeal or one of the most memorable cultural experiences of your trip, depending entirely on how well you prepare.

If you are heading to Gwangju Kia Champions Field and sitting in Section 103, make sure to pack your sun protection, grab a cold drink, and get ready for an unforgettable night of baseball!