Ulsan HD FC(Korean:울산 HD FC), formerly Ulsan Hyundai FC,[1][2]is a South Korean professionalfootballclub based inUlsanthat competes in theK League 1,the top tier of South Korean football. Founded in 1983 as Hyundai Horang-i, they joined theK Leaguein 1984. Their home ground isUlsan Munsu Football Stadium.The club is owned byHD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
 | ||||
| Full name | Ulsan HD Football Club 울산 HD 축구단 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | 호랑이 (Tigers) | |||
| Founded | 1983(asHyundai Horang-i) | |||
| Ground | Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium | |||
| Capacity | 37,897 | |||
| Owner | Kwon Oh-gap | |||
| Head coach | Kim Pan-gon | |||
| League | K League 1 | |||
| 2024 | K League 1, 1st of 12 (champions) | |||
| Website | uhdfc | |||
|
| ||||
Ulsan HD have won the league title five times, most recently in2024,and theKorean FA Cuponce, in2017.At the international level, they have won theAFC Champions Leaguetwice, in2012and2020.
History
editEarly years: before Ulsan (1983–1989)
editThe club was founded on 6 December 1983 as Hyundai Horang-i, with tiger as its mascot (horangi means tiger in Korean). Their original franchise area wasIncheonandGyeonggi Province.[3]They joined the professionalK Leaguefrom1984season. While they finished their debut season as 3rd place, the team's strikerBaek Jong-chulbecame theK League Top Scorer,scoring 16 goals in 28 matches. They won their first professional trophy in 1986, winning theProfessional Football Championship,which is the origin ofKorean League Cup.From the1987season, the club moved their franchise fromIncheonandGyeonggi ProvincetoGangwon Province.In the1988season, they finished the season as the runners-up in the league.
Move to Ulsan and rise to power (1990–1999)
editBeginning in the1990season, the club moved their franchise toUlsan,where the headquarters of several branches of owner companyHyundaiare located at, fromGangwon Province.FormerSouth Korea's strikerCha Bum-kuntook the managerial position in the1991season, leading the club to the runners-up position in the league in his debut season. However, he failed to win any trophy and was replaced byKo Jae-wookafter the1994season. Under Ko Jae-wook, Ulsan won their second Korean League Cup trophy in1995,which was his debut season as Ulsan manager. Ulsan won their first ever league title in1996,beatingSuwon Samsung Bluewings3–2 on aggregate in thechampionship playoffs.The club then entered a long dry-spell in terms of league trophies, although they won their third Korean League Cup trophy in1998,beatingBucheon SK2–1 on aggregate in the finals.
Two Kims era (2000–2013)
edit
Failure to add a major title for years did affect the team negatively. After the exodus of key players likeKim Hyun-seokand a terrible start in the2000,manager Ko Jae-wook resigned in the middle of the season.
Kim Jung-nam era: Gangsters of Asia (2000–2008)
editUlsan appointedKim Jung-nam,who had formerly managed South Korea, as their next manager. They finished as runners-up in2002and2003,and started to emerge as a strong force. In 2005, with the return of two key players,Yoo Sang-chulandLee Chun-soo,they qualified for thechampionship playoffs.In the play-off semi-final, they beatSeongnam Ilhwa2–1, and in the final, they beatIncheon United6–3 on aggregate, with a hat-trick from Lee Chun-Soo in the first leg. They became the league champions for the second time in their history.
The club also went on to win theA3 Champions Cupin2006,in which they participated as K League champions. Although they lost their first match in the competition againstJEF United Ichihara Chiba3–2, they beatDalian Shide4–0 andGamba Osaka6–0 to clinch the trophy. Lee Chun-soo became the competition's top scorer, scoring six goals in three matches. They repeated the merciless attacks in theAFC Champions Leaguethat season, beatingAl-Shabab6–0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals. These overwhelming attacks they showed in the season gave Ulsan the nickname "Gangsters of Asia".[4]
Ulsan won the2007 Korean League Cup,beatingFC Seoul2–1 in the final on 27 June 2007. In 2008, the team changed their official name from Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i to Ulsan Hyundai FC.[5]
Kim Ho-kon era: Iron Mace Football (2009–2013)
editManager Kim Jung-nam stepped down after the 2008 season.Kim Ho-kon,who had managed the South Koreaunder-23 teamthat reached the quarter-finals in the2004 Summer Olympicswas appointed as Ulsan's next manager.
Kim Ho-kon did not enjoy Ulsan fans' full support for his first few seasons at the club, mainly because of his defensive tactical style and unsatisfying outcomes.[citation needed]The 2011 season was a dramatic changeover; Ulsan won their fifth Korean League Cup, beatingBusan IPark3–2 in the final. Ulsan also finished the season as runners-up in the K League that season. Their unique style of having many players pushing forward in counterattacks earned them the nickname "Iron mace football".[6]
In 2012, the club won theAFC Champions League,defeatingAl-Ahli3–0 in the final on 10 November. In the run up to the final, Ulsan went on an unbeaten run throughout the twelve games of the competition, winning nine consecutive games and scoring 27 goals in the process.[7]
Downfall of the club (2014–2016)
editUlsan Hyundai went trophyless for three years after bothCho Min-kookandYoon Jong-hwanfailed to guide the club to any major honours.
Return of the golden generation (2017–present)
editOn 21 November 2016, Ulsan Hyundai hiredKim Do-hoonas their manager.[8]He restored the club status back by guiding the club to the2017 Korean FA Cupfinal and winning it 2–1 on aggregate against Busan IPark, the club's first trophy in five years.[9]
On 19 December 2020, Kim also guided Ulsan Hyundai to victory in the2020 AFC Champions League,winning 2–1 against Iranian clubPersepolisin the final.[10]Júnior Negrãoscored a brace to secure the club's second AFC Champions League trophy, subsequently qualifying for the2020 FIFA Club World Cup,where Ulsan finished sixth.[11]
On 24 December 2020, Ulsan Hyundai signed former South Korea international playerHong Myung-boas their manager. He guided the club to consecutive league titles in the2022and2023seasons.[12][13]The 2022 title was won in dramatic fashion, as Ulsan defeated rivalsJeonbuk Hyundai Motors,the winners of the previous five K League 1 seasons, with two goals scored by Hungarian internationalMartin Ádámin injury time.[14]It was Ulsan's first league title since 2005.
On 14 December 2023, Ulsan Hyundai changed its name to Ulsan HD and unveiled a new emblem ahead of the2024 season.The "HD" comes from the club parent company 'HD Hyundai', which was renamed from Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings in December 2022.[15]In April 2024, the team qualified for the expanded2025 FIFA Club World Cupby defeatingYokohama F. Marinosat home in the first leg of the semi-final of the2023–24 AFC Champions League.[16]
With the departure of Hong Myung-bo to guide the South Korea national team, Ulsan HD hired formerMalaysia national teamhead coachKim Pan-gonon 28 July 2024.[17]He successfully guided the team to win the third consecutive league title in 2024, establishing adynasty.[18]
Supporters and rivalries
editSupporters
edit
The club's main supporters group is called the Cheoyong Warriors (처용전사), founded in 1997.[19]Cheoyong refers to a legendary figure in Korean folklore associated with the city of Ulsan.[20]
Ulsan's on-pitch success led to an all-time high average attendance in 2024, with the club recording 348,119 fans across 19 home games in the season,[21]the second highest in the league behind onlyFC Seoul.
Rivalries
editEast Coast Derby
edit
Ulsan contests the fierce East Coast Derby withPohang Steelers,based in nearbyPohang,another of the most successful clubs in the K League. The rivalry is one between two of the wealthiest industrial cities in South Korea, with Ulsan being a global center for shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and oil refining, while Pohang is home to steel giant and Steelers ownerPOSCO.[22]
One of the most memorable matces between the two sides was played in the final round of the2013 K League Classicseason. Ulsan only needed a draw to win the title, but conceded a goal late in injury time and Pohang won the title instead.[23]Ulsan also faced Pohang in the2024 Korea Cupfinal, which Pohang won 3–1 after extra time.[24]
Hyundai Derby
editSince the late 2010s, Ulsan's chief rivals have beenJeonbuk Hyundai Motorsin a match known as the Hyundai Derby. Ulsan rose to become the primary rival of Jeonbuk, which dominated South Korean football in the 2010s. Once a one-sided affair, Ulsan's eventual triumph over Jeonbuk in the 2022 season led to an intensification of an already heated rivalry that is arguably still the biggest matchup in the league.[25]
Although the parent companies of Ulsan and Jeonbuk share the Hyundai brand, the parent companies (HD Hyundaifor Ulsan andHyundai Motorfor Jeonbuk) are legally separate entities.
Players
editCurrent squad
edit- As of 31 July 2024[26]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan
editNote: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Managers
edit| No. | Name | From | To | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Moon Jung-sik
|
12 July 1983 | 22 April 1986 | |
| C | Cho Chung-yun
|
22 April 1986 | December 1986 | Professional Football Championship |
| 2 | December 1986 | 30 December 1987 | ||
| 3 | Kim Ho
|
30 December 1987 | 19 November 1990 | |
| 4 | Cha Bum-kun
|
23 November 1990 | 27 November 1994 | |
| 5 | Ko Jae-wook
|
30 November 1994 | 12 June 2000 | 1995 Korean League Cup 1996 K League 1998 Korean League Cup |
| C | Chung Jong-soo
|
12 June 2000 | 21 August 2000 | |
| 6 | Kim Jung-nam
|
22 August 2000 | 25 December 2008 | 2005 K League 2007 Korean League Cup |
| 7 | Kim Ho-kon
|
26 December 2008 | 4 December 2013 | 2011 Korean League Cup 2012 AFC Champions League |
| 8 | Cho Min-kook
|
6 December 2013 | 1 December 2014 | |
| 9 | Yoon Jung-hwan
|
1 December 2014 | 14 November 2016 | |
| 10 | Kim Do-hoon
|
21 November 2016 | 20 December 2020 | 2017 Korean FA Cup 2020 AFC Champions League |
| 11 | Hong Myung-bo
|
24 December 2020 | 11 July 2024 | 2022 K League 1 2023 K League 1 |
| C | Lee Kyung-soo
|
11 July 2024 | 28 July 2024 | |
| 12 | Kim Pan-gon
|
28 July 2024 | present | 2024 K League 1 |
Honours
edit
Domestic
editLeague
editCups
edit- Korean FA Cup
- Korean League Cup
- Korean Super Cup
- Winners (1):2006
- National Football Championship
- Runners-up (2): 1989, 1999[a]
- Korean President's Cup
- Runners-up (1): 1990[a]
International
edit- AFC Champions League
- A3 Champions Cup
- Winners (1):2006
Season-by-season records
editDomestic record
edit| Season | Division | Tms. | Pos. | FA Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 | 8 | 3 | — |
| 1985 | 1 | 8 | 4 | — |
| 1986 | 1 | 6 | 6 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 5 | 4 | — |
| 1988 | 1 | 5 | 2 | — |
| 1989 | 1 | 6 | 6 | — |
| 1990 | 1 | 6 | 5 | — |
| 1991 | 1 | 6 | 2 | — |
| 1992 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — |
| 1993 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — |
| 1994 | 1 | 7 | 4 | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 8 | 2 | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 9 | 1 | Semi-final |
| 1997 | 1 | 10 | 3 | Quarter-final |
| 1998 | 1 | 10 | 2 | Runners-up |
| 1999 | 1 | 10 | 6 | Semi-final |
| 2000 | 1 | 10 | 10 | Quarter-final |
| 2001 | 1 | 10 | 6 | Semi-final |
| 2002 | 1 | 10 | 2 | Quarter-final |
| 2003 | 1 | 12 | 2 | Semi-final |
| 2004 | 1 | 13 | 4 | Semi-final |
| 2005 | 1 | 13 | 1 | Round of 16 |
| 2006 | 1 | 14 | 5 | Round of 32 |
| 2007 | 1 | 14 | 4 | Quarter-final |
| 2008 | 1 | 14 | 3 | Quarter-final |
| 2009 | 1 | 15 | 8 | Round of 32 |
| 2010 | 1 | 15 | 5 | Round of 16 |
| 2011 | 1 | 16 | 2 | Semi-final |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | 5 | Semi-final |
| 2013 | 1 | 14 | 2 | Round of 16 |
| 2014 | 1 | 12 | 6 | Round of 16 |
| 2015 | 1 | 12 | 7 | Semi-final |
| 2016 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Semi-final |
| 2017 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Winners |
| 2018 | 1 | 12 | 3 | Runners-up |
| 2019 | 1 | 12 | 2 | Round of 32 |
| 2020 | 1 | 12 | 2 | Runners-up |
| 2021 | 1 | 12 | 2 | Semi-final |
| 2022 | 1 | 12 | 1 | Semi-final |
| 2023 | 1 | 12 | 1 | Quarter-final |
| 2024 | 1 | 12 | 1 | Runners-up |
- Key
- Tms. = Number of teams
- Pos. = Position in league
AFC Champions League record
editAll results list Ulsan's goal tally first.
| Season | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Group F |  Tokyo Verdy
|
1–0 | 2–0 | 1st |
| Quarter-final |  Al-Shabab
|
6–0 | 1–0 | 7–0 | |
| Semi-final | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
|
1–4 | 3–2 | 4–6 | |
| 2009 | Group E | Nagoya Grampus
|
1–3 | 1–4 | 3rd |
 Newcastle Jets
|
0–1 | 0–2 | |||
 Beijing Guoan
|
1–0 | 1–0 | |||
| 2012 | Group F | Beijing Guoan
|
2–1 | 3–2 | 1st |
| FC Tokyo
|
1–0 | 2–2 | |||
| Brisbane Roar
|
1–1 | 2–1 | |||
| Round of 16 | Kashiwa Reysol
|
3–2 | — | — | |
| Quarter-final | Al-Hilal
|
1–0 | 4–0 | 5–0 | |
| Semi-final |  Bunyodkor
|
2–0 | 3–1 | 5–1 | |
| Final | Al-Ahli
|
3–0 | — | — | |
| 2014 | Group H | Western Sydney Wanderers
|
0–2 | 3–1 | 3rd |
| Kawasaki Frontale
|
2–0 | 1–3 | |||
| Guizhou Renhe
|
1–1 | 1–3 | |||
| 2017 | Play-off |  Kitchee
|
1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–3p) |
— | — |
| Group E | Kashima Antlers
|
0–4 | 0–2 | 3rd | |
| Brisbane Roar
|
6–0 | 3–2 | |||
 Muangthong United
|
0–0 | 0–1 | |||
| 2018 | Group F | Melbourne Victory
|
6–2 | 3–3 | 2nd |
| Kawasaki Frontale
|
2–1 | 2–2 | |||
| Shanghai SIPG
|
0–1 | 2–2 | |||
| Round of 16 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings
|
1–0 | 0–3 | 1–3 | |
| 2019 | Play-off |  Perak
|
5–1 | — | — |
| Group H | Sydney FC
|
1–0 | 0–0 | 1st | |
| Shanghai SIPG
|
1–0 | 0–5 | |||
| Kawasaki Frontale
|
1–0 | 2–2 | |||
| Round of 16 | Urawa Red Diamonds
|
0–3 | 2–1 | 2–4 | |
| 2020 | Group F[a] | FC Tokyo
|
1–1 | 2–1 | 1st |
| Shanghai Shenhua
|
3–1 | 4–1 | |||
| Perth Glory
|
2–0 | 2–1 | |||
| Round of 16 | Melbourne Victory
|
3–0 | |||
| Quarter-final | Beijing Guoan
|
2–0 | |||
| Semi-final | Vissel Kobe
|
2–1 (a.e.t.) | |||
| Final |  Persepolis
|
2–1 | |||
| 2021 | Group F[a] |  Viettel
|
3–0 | 1–0 | 1st |
| BG Pathum United
|
2–0 | 2–0 | |||
 Kaya–Iloilo
|
2–1 | 3–0 | |||
| Round of 16 | Kawasaki Frontale
|
0–0 (a.e.t.) (3–2p) | |||
| Quarter-final | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
|
3–2 (a.e.t.) | |||
| Semi-final | Pohang Steelers
|
1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–5p) | |||
| 2022 | Play-off | Port
|
3–0 | ||
| Group I[a] | Kawasaki Frontale
|
3–2 | 1–1 | 3rd | |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim
|
1–2 | 1–2 | |||
| Guangzhou
|
3–0 | 5–0 | |||
| 2023–24 | Group I | BG Pathum United
|
3–1 | 3–1 | 2nd |
| Kawasaki Frontale
|
2–2 | 0–1 | |||
| Johor Darul Ta'zim
|
3–1 | 1–2 | |||
| Round of 16 | Ventforet Kofu
|
3–0 | 2–1 | 5–1 | |
| Quarter-final | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
|
1–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 | |
| Semi-final | Yokohama F. Marinos
|
1–0 | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | 3–3 (4–5p) | |
- ^abcMatches were played at neutral venues due to theCOVID-19 pandemic,with "home" and "away" used for administrative purposes.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Ulsan Hyundai rebrand as Ulsan HD with new all-blue logo".Korea JoongAng Daily.14 December 2023.Archivedfrom the original on 14 December 2023.Retrieved14 December2023.
- ^Jee-ho, Yoo (14 December 2023)."K League 1 champions Ulsan Hyundai FC renamed Ulsan HD FC for new season".Yonhap News Agency.Archivedfrom the original on 25 December 2023.Retrieved25 December2023.
- ^"울산현대축구단".울산현대축구단.Archivedfrom the original on 15 August 2011.Retrieved27 December2015.
- ^울산, 6년 전 '아시아 깡패' 부활위한 3가지 조건(in Korean). Sports Chosun. 20 September 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 9 September 2023.Retrieved26 December2015.
- ^"History: Ulsan Hyundai Football Club".Ulsan Hyundai FC.Archivedfrom the original on 8 June 2021.Retrieved9 June2021.
- ^김호곤, 편견과 싸워 이긴 울산 사령탑 5년(in Korean). Best Eleven. 5 December 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 9 September 2023.Retrieved26 December2015.
- ^Duerden, John (10 November 2012)."Ulsan's ultimate victory".ESPN.Archived fromthe originalon 3 January 2013.
- ^"[송년인터뷰] 김도훈 감독" 난 아직 초보감독…초보들은 도전하고 싶은게 많다 "".The Dong-A Ilbo(in Korean). 29 December 2016.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^김창금 (3 December 2017)."울산 현대, 창단 첫 FA컵 우승".한겨레(in Korean).Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"Ulsan Hyundai lift AFC Champions League trophy with come from behind win over Persepolis".Asian Football Confederation.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"FIFA Club World Cup 2020/21".RSSSF.Retrieved14 January2025.
- ^"Breaking: Ulsan Hyundai are 2022 K League 1 champions".OneFootball.16 October 2022.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"Official: Ulsan Hyundai win 2023 K League 1 title".OneFootball.29 October 2023.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"WATCH: Korea fans' spine-tingling celebrations after Ulsan's insane K League comeback".Goal.9 October 2022.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"No More Ulsan Hyundai: All-New Ulsan HD FC Name & Logo Released".Footy Headlines.13 December 2023.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"Ulsan take 1–0 lead in Champions League semifinals; punch ticket to Club World Cup".koreajoongangdaily.joins.18 April 2024.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^Tan, Gabriel (29 July 2024)."Kim earning Ulsan job is testament to what he achieved in Malaysia, Hong Kong".ESPN.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^""울산 왕조의 날" 루빅손+주민규 골골→울산, 강원 2–1 제압…사상 3번째 K리그 3연패 달성→조기우승 확정 ".The Chosun Ilbo(in Korean). 1 November 2024.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"[사진] 처용전사들과 함께 우승 기념촬영하는 울산 선수들".Chosun Biz(in Korean). 23 November 2024.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"처용 ( chỗ dung )",한국민족문화대백과사전 [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture](in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies,retrieved13 January2025
- ^"K리그1 울산, 우승 파티 날 구단 최다 홈 관중 신기록 작성".Yonhap News Agency(in Korean).Retrieved14 January2025.
- ^정영재 (13 July 2024)."포항 vs 울산 불꽃 튀는 '동해안 더비' 유럽 축구장 뺨치네".JoongAng Ilbo(in Korean).Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"Late Pohang equalizer robs Ulsan of early K League title".Korea JoongAng Daily.11 October 2022.Retrieved14 January2025.
- ^Yoo, Jee-ho (30 November 2024)."Pohang Steelers win 2nd straight Korea Cup football tournament".Yonhap News Agency.Retrieved14 January2025.
- ^"'현대가 더비 승리' 전북 외인들이 모두 터졌다, '데뷔전 데뷔골' 안드리고 효과 ".The Chosun Ilbo(in Korean). 21 July 2024.Retrieved13 January2025.
- ^"선수단".uhfc.tv(in Korean). Ulsan HD FC.Retrieved9 May2024.
External links
edit
- Official website(in Korean and English)