Dan Burn Reflects on Full Circle Moment During Newcastle's Korea Tour

Newcastle United's pre-season tour of South Korea has been described as a 'full circle moment' for defender Dan Burn, who recalls his childhood memories of the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. The 31-year-old footballer was just ten years old during that historic event, which significantly shaped his love for the sport. This week, Burn will have the opportunity to play in two venues specifically built for the World Cup, marking a personal and professional milestone.

The Magpies are set to face Team K League at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on Wednesday, followed by a match against Tottenham Hotspur at the 66,704-capacity Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday. As the team arrived at Incheon Airport on Monday evening, they were met with a warm welcome from a large crowd of supporters, emphasizing the global appeal of the club.

"Being a Newcastle fan myself, sometimes you think that it’s only the city of Newcastle that supports the team, but coming away and seeing thousands of people in the airport and how excited they were to see us shows why we do come over here," Burn stated. He acknowledged the commercial benefits of such tours but emphasized the emotional connection that players feel with their international fanbase.

The defender expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming matches, stating, "We feel in a very lucky position... It’s somewhere that probably we wouldn’t get to experience, South Korea, if it wasn’t for football." He highlighted the challenges posed by the heat and the competitive nature of Team K League, whose players are in the midst of their domestic season and expected to be in peak condition.

Joining Burn on this tour is new signing Seung-Soo Park, an 18-year-old winger who recently transferred from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings. Park, who was born in Seoul, has been adapting to his new environment and working alongside his teammates since training in Singapore. "From a player’s point of view, it’s probably been an exciting but difficult first few weeks... It’s been nice to spend time with him," Burn noted, highlighting the camaraderie among the squad.

Team K League comprises top talents from South Korea’s premier football league, including players like Lee Tae-seok and Brazilian midfielder Oberdan, who garnered public support to be selected for the match. Burn anticipates a challenging game, stating, "We’re expecting a tough team, along with the conditions, and we will have to be at the top of our game."

The matches in South Korea are not just about preparation for the Premier League season; they also serve as a platform for the players to showcase their skills and build team cohesion. Burn reflected on the previous season, where Newcastle achieved Champions League qualification and secured a cup victory, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. "We want to build again... We’ve got that experience of the Champions League this year from two years ago to learn from, so I think we’ll be better prepared for that."

As the Magpies continue their pre-season journey, the focus remains on integrating new players, honing team dynamics, and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the forthcoming season. All of Newcastle United’s pre-season fixtures, including the match against Team K League, will be accessible for fans worldwide via the Official Newcastle United website and app, ensuring that the global fanbase can participate in this significant moment in the club’s history.