South Korea national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | Taegeuk Warriors (Hangul: 태극전사) Tigers of Asia (Hangul: 아시아의 호랑이) |
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Association | Korea Football Association (KFA) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-confederation | EAFF (East Asia) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head coach | Hong Myung-bo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Son Heung-min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Cha Bum-kun Hong Myung-bo (136) |
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Top scorer | Cha Bum-kun (58) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | KOR | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 38 ![]() |
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Highest | 17 (December 1998) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 69 (November 2014 – January 2015) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (London, England; 2 August 1948) |
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Biggest win | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Incheon, South Korea; 29 September 2003) |
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Biggest defeat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (London, England; 5 August 1948) |
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World Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 11 (first in 1954) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Fourth place (2002) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asian Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 15 (first in 1956) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (1956, 1960) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EAFF Championship | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 9 (first in 2003) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (2003, 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederations Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2001) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Group stage (2001) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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South Korea national football team | |
Hangul |
대한민국 축구 국가대표팀
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Hanja |
大韓民國 蹴球 國家代表팀
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Revised Romanization | Daehan Min'guk Chukgu Gukga Daepyo Tim |
McCune–Reischauer | Taehan Min'guk Ch'ukku Kukka Taep'yo T'im |
The South Korea national football team represents South Korea in international men's football. It is known as Korea Republic by FIFA. The team is managed by the Korea Football Association (KFA).
South Korea has become a very strong football team in Asia since the 1980s. They have played in ten FIFA World Cup tournaments in a row, and eleven overall. This is more than any other Asian country. In 2002, South Korea made history by becoming the first (and only) Asian team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. They co-hosted this tournament with Japan.
The team has also won the AFC Asian Cup twice and finished second four times. They have also won three gold medals and three silver medals at the Asian Games. Fans and media often call the team the "Reds" because of their main uniform color. Their official fan group is called the Red Devils.
Contents
History of South Korean Football
South Korea's first official game was in 1948. They have grown into a major football power in Asia. Their biggest achievement was reaching the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Team Look and Feel
Team Nicknames
The South Korea national football team has two main nicknames. They are called the Taegeuk Warriors (Hangul: 태극전사) and the Tigers of Asia (Hangul: 아시아의 호랑이). These names show their fighting spirit and strength.
Uniforms and Team Badge
The main color for the South Korean national team's uniform is red. This is why they are called the "Reds," and their fans are known as the "Red Devils." Their away uniform usually changes between white and blue.
Before 2001, South Korea used their national flag as their team badge. Then, they introduced a new badge with a tiger on it. In 2020, the KFA updated the logo. It still has a tiger, but it's simpler and inside a rectangle. The colors red, blue, and white, which are South Korea's traditional colors, are still part of the new logo.
Who Makes Their Uniforms?
Kit supplier | Period | Notes |
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Adidas, Asics, Kolon Sports, Pro-Specs, Weekend | 1977–1986 | South Korea first worked with Adidas, but they didn't have just one uniform sponsor back then. |
Rapido | (Weekend)1987–1995 | They signed a long-term deal with Weekend (later called Rapido). |
Nike | 1996–present | Nike has been their sponsor since January 1, 1996. |
Uniform Deals
Kit supplier | Period | Contract date | Contract duration | Total | Annual | Ref. |
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Nike | 1996–present |
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1996–1997 | $3 million | $1.5 million | |
16 December 1997 | 1998–2002 | $38 million | $7.6 million | |||
9 January 2003 | 2003–2007 | $50 million | $10.0 million | |||
23 October 2007 | 2008–2011 | $49 million | $12.3 million | |||
13 January 2012 | 2012–2019 | $120 million | $15.0 million | |||
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2020–2031 | $204 million | $17.0 million |
Home Stadiums
The South Korea national team played their very first home game at the Dongdaemun Stadium in Seoul on April 21, 1956. Today, they play their home matches at different stadiums across the country. These stadiums are also used by clubs in the K League.
Team Rivalries
South Korea has some big rivalries in football. Their biggest rival is Japan. This rivalry goes beyond football and sometimes has caused strong feelings. South Korea has won more games against Japan, with 42 wins, 23 draws, and 16 losses.
Another important rival is Iran. These two teams have played 33 matches since 1958. Both South Korea and Iran were very strong Asian teams in the 1960s and 1970s. Iran has won 13 matches, while South Korea has won 10, with 10 draws.
They also have a rivalry with Australia. In 29 games, both teams have won 9 times, and 11 games ended in a draw. Australia beat South Korea in the 2015 Asian Cup final.
South Korea has a very good record against China. China did not beat South Korea in a competitive match for 32 years, until 2010. There is also a rivalry with North Korea, but they don't play each other very often due to political reasons.
Team Supporters
The official fan group for the national team is called the Red Devils. They started in 1995. These fans are known for their strong and loud support. They are often called the "12th man" because they cheer so loudly. Their most famous chant is "Dae~ Han-Min-Guk" (Hangul: 대~한민국), followed by five claps.
The FIFA Fan Fest, where fans can watch games together, was first used at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea.
Recent Games and Upcoming Matches
Here are the results of South Korea's matches from the last year and any games planned for the future.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024 Matches
Friendly 6 January | South Korea ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | ||
17:00 UTC+4 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/01/06/world/friendlies/iraq/korea-republic/4294194/ | Stadium: New York University Stadium Attendance: 100 Referee: Yahya Al-Mulla (United Arab Emirates) |
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2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E 15 January | South Korea ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
Al Rayyan, Qatar | ||
14:30 UTC+3 | https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363548 | Stadium: Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Attendance: 8,388 Referee: Ma Ning (China) |
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2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E 20 January | Jordan ![]() |
2–2 | ![]() |
Doha, Qatar | ||
14:30 UTC+3 | https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363549 |
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Stadium: Al Thumama Stadium Attendance: 36,627 Referee: Salman Falahi (Qatar) |
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2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E 25 January | South Korea ![]() |
3–3 | ![]() |
Al Wakrah, Qatar | ||
14:30 UTC+3 |
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https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363551 |
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Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium Attendance: 30,117 Referee: Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia) |
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2023 AFC Asian Cup round of 16 30 January | Saudi Arabia ![]() |
1–1 (2–4 pen)
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Al Rayyan, Qatar | ||
19:00 UTC+3 | https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363591 | Stadium: Education City Stadium Attendance: 42,389 Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (Uzbekistan) |
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Penalties | ||||||
*Kanno ![]()
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2023 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals 2 February | Australia ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Al Wakrah, Qatar | ||
18:30 UTC+3 |
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https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363567 |
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Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium Attendance: 39,632 Referee: Ahmed Al-Kaf (Oman) |
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2023 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals 6 February | Jordan ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Al Rayyan, Qatar | ||
18:00 UTC+3 | https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/afc-asian-cup/2023/2363570 | Stadium: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium Attendance: 42,850 Referee: Mohammed Abdulla Hassan Mohamed (United Arab Emirates) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 21 March | South Korea ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Seoul, South Korea | ||
20:00 UTC+9 |
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https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/03/21/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-republic/thailand/4190925/ | Stadium: Seoul World Cup Stadium Attendance: 64,912 Referee: Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 26 March | Thailand ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
Bangkok, Thailand | ||
19:30 UTC+7 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/03/26/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/thailand/korea-republic/4190926/ |
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Stadium: Rajamangala Stadium Attendance: 45,458 Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 6 June | Singapore ![]() |
0–7 | ![]() |
Kallang, Singapore | ||
20:00 UTC+8 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/06/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/singapore/korea-republic/4190933/ |
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Stadium: Singapore National Stadium Attendance: 49,097 Referee: Sadullo Gulmurodi (Tajikistan) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 11 June | South Korea ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Seoul, South Korea | ||
20:00 UTC+9 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/06/11/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-republic/china-pr/4190928/ | Stadium: Seoul World Cup Stadium Attendance: 64,935 Referee: Mohammed Al Hoish (Saudi Arabia) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 5 September | South Korea ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Seoul, South Korea | ||
20:00 UTC+9 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/09/05/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-republic/palestine/4382630/ | Stadium: Seoul World Cup Stadium Attendance: 59,579 Referee: Alireza Faghani (Australia) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 10 September | Oman ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
Muscat, Oman | ||
18:00 UTC+4 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/09/10/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/oman/korea-republic/4382635/ |
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Stadium: Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Attendance: 27,144 Referee: Ma Ning (China) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 10 October | Jordan ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Amman, Jordan | ||
17:00 UTC+3 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/10/10/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/jordan/korea-republic/4382636/ | Stadium: Amman International Stadium Attendance: 14,655 Referee: Hiroyuki Kimura (Japan) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 15 October | South Korea ![]() |
3–2 | ![]() |
Yongin, South Korea | ||
20:00 UTC+9 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/10/15/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-republic/iraq/4382641/ | Stadium: Yongin Mireu Stadium Attendance: 35,198 Referee: Rustam Lutfullin (Uzbekistan) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 14 November | Kuwait ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
Kuwait City, Kuwait | ||
17:00 UTC+3 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/11/14/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/kuwait/korea-republic/4382643/ |
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Stadium: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium Attendance: 22,791 Referee: Shaun Evans (Australia) |
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2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 19 November | [[Palestinian National Authority {{{altlink}}}|Palestinian National Authority]] ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Amman, Jordan | ||
17:00 UTC+3 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/11/19/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/palestine/korea-republic/4382645/ |
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Stadium: Amman International Stadium Attendance: 2,405 Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan) |
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2025 Upcoming Matches
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 20 March | South Korea ![]() |
v | ![]() |
South Korea | ||
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 25 March | South Korea ![]() |
v | ![]() |
South Korea | ||
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 5 June | Iraq ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Iraq | ||
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 10 June | South Korea ![]() |
v | ![]() |
South Korea | ||
All-Time Game Results
Year | GP | W | D | L | Win % | Matches |
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1948–1959 | 48 | 28 | 9 | 11 | 58.33 | Matches |
1960–1969 | 90 | 52 | 15 | 23 | 57.78 | Matches |
1970–1979 | 186 | 117 | 44 | 25 | 62.90 | Matches |
1980–1989 | 129 | 75 | 29 | 25 | 58.14 | Matches |
1990–1999 | 151 | 70 | 45 | 36 | 46.36 | Matches |
2000–2009 | 171 | 76 | 56 | 39 | 44.44 | Matches |
2010–2019 | 154 | 81 | 31 | 42 | 52.60 | Matches |
2020–present | 59 | 35 | 14 | 10 | 59.32 | Matches |
Total | 988 | 534 | 243 | 211 | 54.05 | — |
Coaching Staff
Position | Name |
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Manager | ![]() |
Assistant manager | ![]() |
Tactical coach | ![]() |
Coaches | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Goalkeeping coach | ![]() |
Fitness coaches | ![]() ![]() |
Players on the Team
Current Squad
These players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games in November 2024.
Caps (games played) and goals are updated as of November 19, 2024, after the game against Palestine.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Kim Kyeong-min | 1 November 1991 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | GK | Lee Chang-geun | 30 August 1993 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | GK | Jo Hyeon-woo | 25 September 1991 | 39 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Kim Moon-hwan | 1 August 1995 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Lee Myung-jae | 4 November 1993 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Kim Min-jae | 15 November 1996 | 69 | 4 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Lee Ki-hyuk | 7 July 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | DF | Cho Yu-min | 17 November 1996 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Jung Seung-hyun | 3 April 1994 | 26 | 1 | ![]() |
20 | DF | Kwon Kyung-won | 31 January 1992 | 32 | 2 | ![]() |
22 | DF | Seol Young-woo | 5 December 1998 | 22 | 0 | ![]() |
DF | Lee Tae-seok | 28 July 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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5 | MF | Paik Seung-ho | 17 March 1997 | 20 | 3 | ![]() |
6 | MF | Hwang In-beom | 20 September 1996 | 66 | 6 | ![]() |
7 | MF | Son Heung-min (captain) | 8 July 1992 | 131 | 51 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Park Yong-woo | 10 September 1993 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Lee Jae-sung | 10 August 1992 | 94 | 13 | ![]() |
11 | MF | Jeong Woo-yeong | 20 September 1999 | 22 | 4 | ![]() |
16 | MF | Hong Hyun-seok | 16 June 1999 | 14 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | MF | Bae Jun-ho | 21 August 2003 | 6 | 2 | ![]() |
18 | MF | Lee Kang-in | 19 February 2001 | 35 | 10 | ![]() |
MF | Lee Hyun-ju | 7 February 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Kim Bong-soo | 26 December 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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9 | FW | Joo Min-kyu | 13 April 1990 | 8 | 2 | ![]() |
19 | FW | Oh Se-hun | 15 January 1999 | 6 | 2 | ![]() |
23 | FW | Oh Hyeon-gyu | 12 April 2001 | 15 | 2 | ![]() |
Recent Call-Ups
The following players have also been called up to the South Korea squad in the last year.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Kim Seung-gyu | 30 September 1990 | 81 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Kim Jun-hong | 3 June 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Song Bum-keun | 15 October 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Hwang In-jae | 22 April 1994 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Hwang Mun-ki | 8 December 1996 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kim Ju-sung | 12 December 2000 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Lee Han-beom | 17 June 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Park Min-gyu | 10 August 1995 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kim Young-gwon | 27 February 1990 | 112 | 7 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Hwang Jae-won | 16 August 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Choi Woo-jin | 18 July 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kim Jin-su | 13 June 1992 | 74 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Park Seung-wook | 7 May 1997 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Choi Jun | 17 April 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Ha Chang-rae | 16 October 1994 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kim Tae-hwan | 24 July 1989 | 31 | 0 | ![]() |
2023 AFC Asian Cup |
DF | Lee Ki-je | 9 July 1991 | 14 | 0 | ![]() |
2023 AFC Asian Cup |
DF | Kim Ji-soo | 24 December 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2023 AFC Asian Cup |
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MF | Moon Seon-min | 9 June 1992 | 17 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Lee Seung-woo | 6 January 1998 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Lee Dong-gyeong | 20 September 1997 | 9 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Kwon Hyeok-kyu | 13 March 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Hwang Hee-chan | 26 January 1996 | 69 | 15 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Eom Ji-sung | 9 May 2002 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jung Woo-young | 14 December 1989 | 76 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jeong Ho-yeon | 28 September 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Yang Min-hyeok | 16 April 2006 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Um Won-sang | 6 January 1999 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Song Min-kyu | 12 September 1999 | 14 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Park Jin-seop | 23 October 1995 | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Lee Soon-min | 22 May 1994 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
2023 AFC Asian Cup |
MF | Yang Hyun-jun | 25 May 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2023 AFC Asian Cup |
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FW | Cho Gue-sung | 25 January 1998 | 39 | 9 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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Famous Former Players
These players are recognized in the KFA Hall of Fame or were chosen for the Korean Best XI of All Time.
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Goalkeepers
- Hong Deok-young (1948–1954)
- Lee Se-yeon (1966–1973)
- Lee Woon-jae (1994–2010)
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Defenders
- Kim Jung-nam (1964–1973)
- Kim Ho (1966–1972)
- Hong Myung-bo (1990–2002)
- Lee Young-pyo (1999–2011)
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Midfielders
- Kim Yong-sik (1948–1950)
- Huh Jung-moo (1974–1986)
- Lee Young-moo (1975–1981)
- Cho Kwang-rae (1977–1986)
- Park Chang-sun (1979–1986)
- Park Ji-sung (2000–2011)
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Forwards
- Lee Hoe-taik (1966–1977)
- Cha Bum-kun (1972–1986)
- Choi Soon-ho (1980–1991)
- Kim Joo-sung (1985–1996)
Player Records
Players in bold are still playing for South Korea.
Most Games Played
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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1 | Cha Bum-kun | 136 | 58 | 1972–1986 |
Hong Myung-bo | 136 | 10 | 1990–2002 | |
3 | Lee Woon-jae | 133 | 0 | 1994–2010 |
4 | Son Heung-min | 131 | 51 | 2010–present |
5 | Lee Young-pyo | 127 | 5 | 1999–2011 |
6 | Kim Ho-kon | 124 | 5 | 1971–1979 |
7 | Yoo Sang-chul | 122 | 18 | 1994–2005 |
8 | Cho Young-jeung | 113 | 1 | 1975–1986 |
9 | Kim Young-gwon | 112 | 7 | 2010–present |
10 | Ki Sung-yueng | 110 | 10 | 2008–2019 |
Top Goal Scorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
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1 | Cha Bum-kun | 58 | 136 | 0.43 | 1972–1986 |
2 | Son Heung-min | 51 | 131 | 0.39 | 2010–present |
3 | Hwang Sun-hong | 50 | 103 | 0.49 | 1988–2002 |
4 | Park Lee-chun | 36 | 89 | 0.4 | 1969–1974 |
5 | Kim Jae-han | 33 | 57 | 0.58 | 1972–1979 |
Lee Dong-gook | 33 | 105 | 0.31 | 1998–2017 | |
7 | Choi Soon-ho | 30 | 103 | 0.29 | 1980–1991 |
8 | Kim Do-hoon | 29 | 72 | 0.4 | 1994–2003 |
Huh Jung-moo | 29 | 84 | 0.35 | 1974–1986 | |
10 | Choi Yong-soo | 27 | 67 | 0.4 | 1995–2003 |
Lee Tae-ho | 27 | 72 | 0.38 | 1980–1991 | |
Kim Jin-kook | 27 | 94 | 0.29 | 1972–1978 |
Tournament Achievements
Champions Runners-up Third place Tournament played on home soil
FIFA World Cup History
South Korea at the FIFA World Cup
Summer Olympics Football
- Since 1992, football at the Summer Olympics has been for players under 23 years old.
Summer Olympics record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1900 to 1908 | Part of the Korean Empire | Part of the Korean Empire | |||||||||||||
1912 to 1936 | Part of Japan | Part of Japan | |||||||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 15 | Squad | Directly qualified | ||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 20 | Squad | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | |
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Did not qualify | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||
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4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 2 | |||||||||
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6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 5 | |||||||||
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6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 6 | |||||||||
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11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 11 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Squad | Qualified as hosts | ||||||
1992 to present | Entered with the under-23 team | Entered with the under-23 team | |||||||||||||
Total | Quarter-finals | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 37 | 3/11 | 42 | 24 | 7 | 11 | 91 | 39 |
AFC Asian Cup Achievements
South Korea at the AFC Asian Cup
Asian Games Football
- Since 2002, football at the Asian Games has been for players under 23 years old.
EAFF Championship Results
Other Competitions Played
Head-to-Head Records
This table shows South Korea's game results against other national teams, up to November 19, 2024.
Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | WPCT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 100.00 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | +0 | 50.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
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3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | −6 | 0.00 |
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29 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 29 | +1 | 31.03 |
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17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 40 | 12 | +28 | 70.59 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | +13 | 100.00 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00 |
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4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0.00 |
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3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 33.33 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 50.00 |
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8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 20 | −14 | 12.50 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
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7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 4 | +18 | 85.71 |
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5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 3 | +7 | 60.00 |
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5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 40.00 |
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3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 33.33 |
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38 | 23 | 13 | 2 | 56 | 26 | +30 | 60.53 |
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21 | 14 | 1 | 6 | 50 | 19 | +31 | 66.67 |
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8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 9 | +5 | 50.00 |
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10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 12 | +1 | 40.00 |
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7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 11 | −4 | 28.57 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
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5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 14 | −9 | 20.00 |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 50.00 |
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18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 21 | −3 | 33.33 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
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3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
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3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | −6 | 0.00 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 50.00 |
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7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | −4 | 42.86 |
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4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 75.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | +9 | 100.00 |
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3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 33.33 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
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3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | +9 | 100.00 |
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29 | 22 | 5 | 2 | 69 | 21 | +48 | 75.86 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | −10 | 0.00 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 100.00 |
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19 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 48 | 12 | +36 | 73.68 |
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36 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 84 | 19 | +65 | 83.33 |
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33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 36 | 34 | +2 | 30.30 |
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24 | 10 | 12 | 2 | 30 | 16 | +14 | 41.67 |
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11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 12 | +5 | 45.45 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | +0 | 50.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
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4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 50.00 |
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81 | 42 | 23 | 16 | 124 | 76 | +48 | 51.85 |
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8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 50.00 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 50.00 |
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25 | 13 | 4 | 8 | 33 | 21 | +12 | 52.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
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5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | +28 | 100.00 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
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16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 5 | +23 | 75.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00 |
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3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 2 | +9 | 100.00 |
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47 | 26 | 13 | 8 | 81 | 45 | +36 | 55.32 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 50.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 50.00 |
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14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 29 | −11 | 28.57 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 100.00 |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | 0.00 |
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27 | 15 | 7 | 5 | 42 | 15 | +27 | 55.56 |
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7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 0 | +53 | 100.00 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | −7 | 0.00 |
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7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 85.71 |
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5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 60.00 |
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17 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 14 | 6 | +8 | 41.18 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 50.00 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | −1 | 25.00 |
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6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 83.33 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | +13 | 100.00 |
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
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7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 28.57 |
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3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | −5 | 0.00 |
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8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 0 | +37 | 100.00 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 50.00 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00 |
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11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 19 | 13 | +6 | 54.55 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
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3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | −3 | 0.00 |
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19 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 20 | 18 | +2 | 26.32 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 25.00 |
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3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 33.33 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
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28 | 23 | 3 | 2 | 97 | 19 | +78 | 82.14 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
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6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 16 | −11 | 0.00 |
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3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | +19 | 100.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | +8 | 100.00 |
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5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 18 | −15 | 0.00 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 50.00 |
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10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 5 | +7 | 60.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
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47 | 31 | 8 | 8 | 96 | 37 | +59 | 65.96 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
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3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 33.33 |
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7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 14.29 |
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5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 4 | +12 | 80.00 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
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21 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 38 | 14 | +24 | 61.90 |
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11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 45.45 |
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10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 15 | −8 | 10.00 |
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16 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 34 | 14 | +20 | 68.75 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00 |
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25 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 66 | 21 | +45 | 68.00 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 100.00 |
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7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 0.00 |
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 50.00 |
Total | 988 | 534 | 243 | 211 | 1,782 | 909 | +873 | 54.05 |
Team Awards and Honors
Intercontinental Titles
- Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Continental Titles
- Asian Games
Regional Titles
- EAFF Championship
Smaller Competitions Won
- Korea Cup: 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1997
- Merdeka Tournament: 1960, 1965, 1967, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978
- King's Cup: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1998
- Jakarta Anniversary Tournament: 1981
- Dynasty Cup: 1990
- LG Cup: 2000 (Iran), 2001 (Egypt), 2006 (Saudi Arabia)
Other Awards
- FIFA World Cup Most Entertaining Team: 2002
- AFC National Team of the Year: 2002, 2009
- EAFF Championship Fair Play Award: 2008
- AFC Asian Cup Fair Play Award: 2011
Images for kids
More to Explore
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Corea del Sur para niños
- Football in South Korea
- South Korea national under-20 football team
- South Korea national under-17 football team