K4 League: South Korea's Fourth Division Football System
The K4 League (Korean: K4리그) serves as the fourth-highest division within the South Korean football league system. Established in 2020 by the Korea Football Association (KFA), the league acts as the successor to the K3 League Basic, which was the second division of the amateur K3 League founded in 2017. As a critical layer of the national football pyramid, the K4 League provides a competitive platform for regional clubs and developmental squads.
Since 2021, the league has expanded its scope by allowing reserve teams from the professional K League to participate, fostering a bridge between youth development and senior professional football.
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Key Facts
- Governing Body: Korea Football Association (KFA).
- Founded: 2020.
- Pyramid Level: 4th Division.
- Promotion: Direct path to the K3 League.
- Current Champions: Dangjin Citizen (2025).
- Domestic Cup: Participating teams compete in the Korean FA Cup.
- Broadcasters: Naver Sports, STN Sports, and Afreeca TV.
Competition Format and Regulations
The K4 League operates on a home-and-away seasonal format where all participating clubs face each other. While a promotion and relegation system is firmly established between the K4 League and the K3 League, there is currently no movement between the K4 and the amateur K5 League, though the KFA plans to implement this by 2027.
Promotion Rules for 2025
Starting with the 2025 season, the league has streamlined its path to the higher division. The league winner is crowned champion and earns automatic promotion to the K3 League without the need for a playoff. The team finishing in 2nd place earns a chance at promotion via a two-game playoff series against the 14th-place team from the K3 League.
Squad and Player Eligibility
To align with K League standards, the match day squad list for the 2025 season increased from 18 to 20 players. The league enforces specific developmental and nationality quotas:
- Youth Requirement: At least three players must be Korean nationals aged 23 or younger, with at least one of these players required to be in the starting eleven.
- Foreign Players: The previous Asian player quota has been removed; teams may now register up to four foreign players of any nationality.
- Military Service: K4 League teams are permitted to recruit professional players who are performing their mandatory social service in lieu of active military duty.
League Composition and History
The league consists of 13 clubs for the 2026 season, featuring a mix of long-standing regional sides and new entries. The competition has seen a diverse range of champions since its inception, with no single club dominating the trophy cabinet.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Paju Citizen | Ulsan Citizen |
| 2021 | Pocheon Citizen | Siheung Citizen |
| 2022 | Goyang KH | Yangpyeong FC |
| 2023 | Yeoju FC | Daegu FC B |
| 2024 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors B | Daejeon Hana Citizen B |
| 2025 | Dangjin Citizen | Namyangju FC |
Current Participating Clubs (2026 Season)
The 2026 roster includes teams such as Geoje Citizen, Jinju Citizen, Seoul Jungnang, and Pyeongtaek Citizen. New additions for the 2026 debut include Geumsan Insam, Haman FC, Jecheon Citizen, Jincheon HR, and Seosan Pioneer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the K4 League?
The K4 League is the fourth tier of the South Korean football league system, managed by the Korea Football Association. It serves as a competitive level for semi-professional and reserve teams.
How does promotion to the K3 League work?
As of 2025, the league winner is automatically promoted. The second-place team enters a two-game playoff against the 14th-place team of the K3 League for a chance to move up.
Can professional players play in the K4 League?
Yes, professional players who are completing their mandatory social service instead of active military service are eligible to be recruited by K4 League teams.
Are there any age restrictions for players?
While there are no overall age limits, teams must include at least three Korean players aged 23 or younger in their squad, and one must be in the starting lineup.
Which teams have won the K4 League?
Champions include Paju Citizen (2020), Pocheon Citizen (2021), Goyang KH (2022), Yeoju FC (2023), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors B (2024), and Dangjin Citizen (2025).