FC Seoul became the first ever South Korean team to appear at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens last year and they put in a highly impressive performance by reaching the semi-finals before a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual runners-up West Ham United.
The side from the South Korean capital had previously defeated Thai Youth Football Home, Kashima Antlers and HKFC Captain’s Select to finish on top of Group C before overcoming Newcastle United 4-2 in the quarter-finals.
FC Seoul enjoyed an incredible 2016 when they won the K-League Classic for the sixth time after leapfrogging nearest rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on the final day of the season following a dramatic 1-0 victory.
The side also claimed the FA Cup and reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League to continue a strong record on the continent that has also seen them finish runner-up on two occasions.
Among the notable players who have come through FC Seoul’s youth ranks are Swansea City’s Ki Sung-yueng and Crystal Palace’s Lee Chung-yong. Both Ki and Lee are currently leading South Korea’s charge towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia having also appeared at the 2010 and 2014 editions.
Veteran club captain Kwak Tae-hwi, meanwhile, also represents the national team while former Monaco and Arsenal forward Park Chu-young, who began his career at FC Seoul before returning in 2015, is among their other modern-day stars.