Last World Cup venue unveiled

The 42,256 seat stadium will host the World Cup match between China and Brazil

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- South Korea has unveiled its newest and arguably most spectacular football stadium, the last of 20 venues to be built or redeveloped for next year's World Cup.

A sell-out crowd of 42,000 was at the opening of Seogwipo Stadium on the resort island of Jeju, and witnessed the home side defeat the United States 1-0 in an international friendly.

The 112.5 billion won ($90 million) football-only stadium is the last of South Korea's World Cup facilities in 10 different cities -- Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Daejeon, Jeonju, Gwangju, Daegy, Ulsan, Busan and Seogwipo -- now ready for action.

There are also 10 city venues in Japan -- co-host of the 2002 World Cup -- including Yokohama, which will stage the final on June 30.

Both countries have favored football-only venues rathers than multi-purpose facilities.

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Seven of South Korea's new stadiums are exclusive for football, including the 64,640-seat Seoul World Cup Stadium which will host the opening match on May 31 between 1998 champions France and Senegal.

South Korea has outlaid almost $2 billion in the construction of its 10 stadiums, designed for a total capacity of 500,000, but the Seogwipo Stadium is regarded by many as the most impressive venue.

It was described by Lennart Johansson, head of the World Cup organizing committee at world football's governing body FIFA, as among the most beautifully located stadiums on the planet.

Built in former mango groves on the southern coast of Jeju island off the tip of the Korean penisular, the stadium sits against the backdrop of an extinct volcano, the 1,950 meter (5,900 foot) Mount Halla.

Its roof awning shaped like large fishing net, the football pitch will stage three matches during the tournament.

Seogwipo city officials were hoping the venue would host World Cup matches involving China, which is only an hour away by plane.

But after the World Cup draw last week, officials were rubbing their hands with glee after China and Brazil were drawn in the same group and will clash in the city on June 8.

For fans wanting to get a ticket to the game, bad luck. All tickets were sold out shortly after the December 1 draw.