By Honorary Reporter Sharadai Rambarran from U.K.
Photos =Tottenham Hotspur FC

Members of Tottenham Hotspur FC on July 10 pose for a photo at Incheon International Airport with hundreds of fans in the background.

Members of the English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur on July 10 arrived at Incheon International Airport for a preseason tour, greeted by star striker Son Heung-min. He was joined by Spurs fans who welcomed the 28-member squad, head coach Antonio Conte and staff.

This was the club's first such tour since the COVID-19 pandemic's outbreak and featured events like a news conference, media appearances, social activities, open practices at stadiums and two friendly games.

The club also sampled Korean cuisine courtesy of Son, who took members to a restaurant. Teammates also went on a tour of Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul with Spurs fans. Striker Harry Kane and defender Matt Doherty learned how to write in Korean as well as about Korean objects from Korean influencers Irene Kim and Eva Popiel. 

Defender Eric Dier and Doherty visited the Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art in Seoul to see the exhibition "My Your Memory." A British presenter from the famous Korean food vlog, Josh Carrott, invited defenders Ben Davies and Japhet Tanganga to taste a variety of Korean beef barbecue and fruit at a restaurant in the capital's Yeongdeungpo-gu District.

Spurs players visit Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and try on traditional Hanbok.

Spurs also got involved with the community and soccer clubs. For example, the team's Global Football Development (GFD) staff and players coached children at Seoul Foreign School and ChildFund Charity, and held a session with K-League Academy coaches at Seongnam Football Center.

Ledley King, former Spurs captain and now an assistant first-team coach, documented his experience with Korean culture to the team's fans. He went to see the sculpture "I Seoul U" by the Hangang River and met fans. 

King said, "This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Korean culture and immerse myself in the top cultural attractions here in Seoul. I will never forget this."

Spurs fan and Korean influencer Yan accompanied King to Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where they dressed in the traditional costume Hanbok and learned to play the traditional zither gayageum. As well as participating in GFD activities, King also attended an event at a bar in the city's Gangnam-gu District attended by fans from Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and England.

Son Heung-min on July 13 celebrates Tottenham's 6-3 win over a team of K League 1 players and scoring two goals at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Tottenham played two exhibition games, a 6-3 win over a team of K League 1 players, and a 1-1 draw versus the La Liga club Sevilla of Spain. 

Son thanked the team's supporters and his fans, saying, "The week went too quickly for me. I'm really grateful." 

Head coach Antonio Conte added, "To know that we have all these fans in Korea was amazing."

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.