National Stadium (Kaohsiung) Stadium

Address: World Games Plaza, Zuoying District (near Kaohsiung Arena MRT), Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Hours: Hours vary with events; public access limited on non-event days

Admission: Ticketed; standard adult admission around NT$150-300 depending on events and match-day seat pricing

The National Stadium in Kaohsiung, commonly known as the World Games Stadium, is a large multi-purpose stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan that opened for the 2009 World Games. The venue is noted for its distinctive contemporary design.

The stadium’s main bowl accommodates athletics and football matches and provides tiered seating for spectators with sightlines designed for multi-sport use. Its exterior and roof structure, inspired by organic forms, make the building an architectural landmark in Kaohsiung and a frequent photography subject.

The surrounding parkland and event areas host open-air events and are used for festival programming and community activities in addition to stadium events. Guided tours or event days offer the best opportunities to see interior spaces.

Built to host the 2009 World Games, the stadium was designed by architect Toyo Ito and completed in advance of the games. Since then it has continued to serve as a venue for large sporting and cultural events in Kaohsiung.

Situated in Kaohsiung city, the stadium is part of a larger sports and recreational district and is accessible from major urban transport routes in southern Taiwan.

• Design and original purpose: Designed by architect Toyo Ito for the 2009 World Games and commonly called the World Games Stadium.
• Capacity: Seating capacity is approximately 55,000, making it one of Taiwan’s larger stadia for athletics and football.

What to See#

• Main stadium bowl: Main spectator bowl and pitch designed for multi-sport events with an athletics track and seating for tens of thousands.
• Surrounding park and event areas: Surrounding parkland and event spaces that were developed for the 2009 World Games.

Closest rapid transit: Kaohsiung MRT (Red Line) to World Games Station or Kaohsiung Arena Station, then a short walk. Driving: accessible via provincial highway connections; event parking is available but fills quickly.

• Check the event schedule - the stadium hosts football, concerts and athletics and seating/prices vary greatly by event.
• Arrive early for international matches to navigate security checks and eat at nearby vendors along the waterfront district.
• Use the eco-friendly canopy areas for shade; the stadium's wooden facade can be very hot in direct sun.