The Samsung Lions of South Korea’s KBO League will return to Guam this winter for their annual preseason training camp, reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a premier international training destination.
The Lions, managed by Park Jin-man, are scheduled to arrive Jan. 23 and begin training Jan. 25, marking the second consecutive year the team has chosen Guam. The club previously trained on the island in 2017 before returning in January 2025 after an eight-year absence.
The camp will be held primarily at the Leo Palace Resort baseball field. Team officials said the program will focus on physical conditioning, strengthening fundamentals and improving team coordination ahead of the upcoming KBO season. The Guam camp will also serve as a key evaluation period for individual player readiness, the integration of new members and finalization of team strategies.
Guam has become an increasingly attractive option for professional sports organizations, offering a year-round tropical climate that allows uninterrupted outdoor training. Its relatively short flight time from Korea and minimal one-hour time difference support smoother physical adjustment and efficient logistics. Established training facilities and accommodations also contribute to a focused preseason environment.
Régine Biscoe Lee, president and CEO of the Guam Visitors Bureau, welcomed the team’s return, saying the Lions’ continued presence reflects Guam’s capacity to host international professional teams and deliver a distinctive training experience.
Professional baseball teams from South Korea and Japan have frequently selected Guam for winter and spring training, including the Lions, Lotte Giants, Kia Tigers and Japan’s Yomiuri Giants. Local tourism officials say the island is strategically positioned to expand the intersection of sports and tourism by attracting more international teams seeking reliable and stable preseason conditions.
