Originally, K League Challenge champions could be promoted to the K League Classic, but Ansan Mugunghwa lost its qualification for the promotion after Ansan Government decided to break up with police football team from next year.

[1] Runners-up Daegu FC directly qualified for the Classic instead of champions Ansan Mugunghwa, and third, fourth and fifth-placed team advanced to the promotion playoffs.

Relegated from K League Classic Promoted to K League Classic Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules.

The winner on aggregate score after both matches earned entry into the 2017 K League Classic.

Source: K LeagueNotes:† Team played previous season in K League Classic.