| Whimoon High School's baseball players celebrate after winning the Bonghwang High School Baseball Tournament at the Mokdong ballpark in Seoul, Aug. 24, 2019. / Korea Times file |
By Jhoo Dong-chan
The 48th Bonghwang High School Baseball Tournament will start at the Mokdong and Sinwol ballpark in Seoul, Friday, for an 18-day run that will continue until Nov. 2.
Founded by the Hankook Ilbo in 1971, the tournament has been the nation's largest baseball event held exclusively for high school players.
Co-hosted by the Hankook Ilbo and the Korea Baseball Association (KBA), the tournament will pit teams from 80 high schools throughout the country against each other this year. Due to the government's social distancing regulations, all matches will be held behind closed doors.
A Hankook Ilbo official said tournament matches held at the Mokdong ballpark will be relayed via YouTube and the KBA webpage in real time. Sports broadcaster SPOTV also said it will also broadcast major matches.
The Hankook Ilbo will also offer gifts for baseball fans who participate in an online lottery event via Facebook.