Colombian striker John Montaño calls Korea a 'good opportunity' for athletes prepared to 'work hard'

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Colombian striker John Montaño calls Korea a 'good opportunity' for athletes prepared to 'work hard'

Published: 03 Mar. 2026, 13:12 Updated: 03 Mar. 2026, 16:31

YOON SEUNG-JIN
[email protected]

DANIELA GONZALEZ PEREZ
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Colombian footballer John Montaño waves to fans and officials at Bucheon FC’s 2026 season launch event on Feb. 22. The 2026 season marks Bucheon FC’s first-ever campaign in the top division in the club’s history. [PARK JUNG-HUN]

Football was never just a game for Colombian striker John Montaño. It was a way out of his family’s long history poverty, a reality, he says, many South American players share. Korea, back then, was never really part of the plan. He simply needed to play.

However, when he got an offer while in El Salvador and chose to come to Korea, the move was more than just a transfer. It was proof that it was a path that could carry him further than he had ever imagined.

His impact on the pitch was almost immediate. Montaño finished as one of the top two scorers for Bucheon FC 1995 during the 2024-25 season, helping lift the club to its historic first promotion to the top division of the K League.

“After I received an offer from a Korean scouting team, I started learning about the culture and what life is like here. I learned that Korea is a very safe country, with educated and warm people,” Montaño said. “Now, not only have I adapted to the culture, the style of football, the fans and the system — I even think it is not only a good country to live in, but a place where I can envision my future as a footballer.”

“With its solid system and passionate fans, and as the K League continues expanding the number of teams and lifting the cap on foreign players, I think Korea could become a very attractive destination for athletes.”

The Korea JoongAng Daily sat down with Montaño to hear more about his journey, the challenges of playing professional football in Korea, and his thoughts on the Korean football landscape and the upcoming World Cup.

Colombian football player John Montaño talks during an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily on Feb. 21. [DANIELA GONZALEZ PEREZ]

Q. How did you end up in Korea? How did you feel when you first considered coming to Korea?

A. While I was playing in El Salvador, a Korean scouting team gave me an offer through my agents. We spoke about my performances, and they told me there was a possibility for me to come here to play football. I got excited almost immediately about the new challenge, not only because of the language and culture but also because of football itself.

I searched a lot about the country on different platforms and looked into the training and working environment. I learned that it is a calm, welcoming and warm country, which I value very much.

So, I decided to come, and later I realized there was even more beyond the lifestyle and education. It turned out to be a really good decision for me as a professional athlete.

Was it hard to adapt to the Korean football training style and Korea’s hierarchy as a foreign player?

As for the training and playing style, there is a solid system that helps us prepare not only for the physical demands of Korean football but for any challenge. Korean teams also help players build good habits, maintain discipline and follow a proper diet.

The Korean culture of respecting elders and hierarchy has not been a problem either — because my mother taught me from a young age to respect older people. So, for me, it has been very easy. Some athletes might complain about the hierarchy here, but I see it differently.

I think Korea’s hierarchy is something we can learn from. I have played in the United States, visited many countries and met players from around the world. But Korea stands out in this aspect in a positive way.

Colombian football player John Montaño holds his son after a game against last year’s K League 2 champions, Incheon United, on Sept. 7, 2025. [KIM KYUNG-TAE]

How has life been here beyond the professional side, especially in terms of interacting with fans, building relationships with fellow players and overcoming language barriers?

The most interesting part of the culture for me is gift-giving. Every time I play a game, fans give me so many presents. I often come home with my hands full of their gifts. They are always giving me sweets, teddy bears and thoughtful presents. I really enjoy that.

I have also been lucky with communication. There is a Japanese teammate who speaks Spanish because he played for a long time in Spain and Europe. We also have other players, so we often communicate in Spanish and Portuguese.

Moreover, the club has hired an interpreter as well, so during training sessions and games, I get help when needed. In daily life, I know some simple Korean words, enough to communicate at grocery stores and when ordering food.

Even in medical situations, I go with the team doctor. He understands our symptoms and communicates properly. That is another great thing about Korean clubs. They take very good care of their foreign players.

Colombian striker John Montaño holds a ball at Bucheon FC's training. [JUNG JAE-HOON]

How do you feel about representing your country as a professional player?

It was the club’s first time coming to the first division this year, and I am glad to be part of it. It is something truly wonderful.

For life, any Colombian who comes through Bucheon will be able to see my name: John Montaño, Colombia. Being part of the club’s history is amazing. Coming to a big country like Korea, performing well and raising Colombia’s flag as high as possible means a lot to me.

Not only me, but the whole team is prepared to stay in the first division this year and to fight for a championship one day.

This year also has the World Cup. How do you think Colombia and Korea will do? Do you think they could face each other?

Both teams are well prepared. Korea has top-notch players like Sonny, who are very focused and know exactly what they’re doing on and off the ball.

However, the World Cup is very different from a regular season, which can last 11 or 12 months. The World Cup lasts only one month or a month and a half. It is very fast, like lightning. I think both teams are well prepared.

As long as you are still alive in the tournament, the chances always exist. It is complicated for them to meet in the group stage because they are in different groups, but if they reach the later rounds, like the semifinals or the final, they could face each other.

But honestly, it is a very difficult tournament with very strong national teams, such as Argentina, France, Spain, the Netherlands and England. It is never easy. I believe both teams can have a good tournament, but whether they can become world champions, anything can happen.

Colombian football player John Montaño during a game against Seoul E-Land FC on Sept. 20, 2025 [KWAK DONG-HYUK]

What would you say to people who pursue a football career here? And how do you see your future in Korea?

The K League is developing and expanding very quickly. Beyond the positives I have mentioned about the culture and the fans, the league is also changing a lot in terms of its future plans.

The K League has been increasing the number of teams and now has more clubs than ever in its history. It is also raising the maximum number of foreign players each team can register. So, I think it is a very good opportunity for foreign athletes who want to pursue their careers here in Korea.

I invite them to fight for their dreams and work hard. If they ever get the chance to come to Korea, I strongly recommend they take it.

As for my future, I see it going very well here. Things are on a good path, and I hope that continues. My intention is to keep playing in Korea, and I would like to stay for many more years.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN, DANIELA GONZALEZ PEREZ [[email protected]]