Where does South Korea play home matches?

South Korea plays matches in several modern stadiums across the country, notably Seoul World Cup Stadium (66,000 capacity), Daegu Stadium, and Suwon World Cup Stadium. These ultra-modern venues, built for the 2002 World Cup, offer world-class infrastructure.

What is the history of South Korea's selection?

Founded in 1928, South Korea has participated in 11 consecutive World Cups since 1986, an Asian record. The most glorious moment remains the 2002 World Cup semi-final at home, a historic achievement that marked Asian football history.

What are South Korea's main achievements?

The major success is fourth place at the 2002 World Cup , the best Asian performance in history. Korea has also won two Asian Cups (1956, 1960) and regularly participates in World Cup finals, confirming its status as an Asian power.

How did the 2002 World Cup journey unfold?

In 2002, South Korea achieved a historic run by eliminating Italy and Spain to reach the semi-finals. Led by Guus Hiddink and carried by an entire country, the team created one of the most beautiful surprises in world football history.

Who are South Korea's emblematic players?

Son Heung-min is the current icon, Tottenham star. Park Ji-sung, Manchester United legend, Cha Bum-kun, and more recently Lee Kang-in are part of the pantheon. These players have shone in the best European leagues and carried the selection to the highest level.

Why the nickname Taegeuk Warriors?

The Taegeuk Warriors take their name from the Taegeuk symbol at the center of the Korean flag. This philosophical yin-yang symbol represents balance and strength, embodying the fighting spirit of the national selection.

What is the rivalry with Japan?

The rivalry with Japan is one of world football's most intense, loaded with colonial history and political tensions. These passionate confrontations mobilize all of East Asia and generate an electric atmosphere, extending far beyond the sporting context.

What is South Korea's playing style?

Korea favors intense and physical football , based on constant pressing, incessant running, and total commitment. The team combines rigorous tactical discipline, exceptional physical preparation, and warrior mentality to compensate against technically superior nations.

How does the Korean training system work?

South Korea invests massively in academies and training centers , with an integrated school system focused on sport. The country also sends young talents to train in Europe from adolescence to accelerate their development and expose them to the highest level.

What are South Korea's ambitions?

Korea aims to dominate Asian football and win another Asian Cup. On the world stage, the objective is to systematically advance past the World Cup group stage and replicate the 2002 feat by reaching a major tournament's quarter-finals.

South Korea

South Korea (KOR)

Overview

South Korea represents one of the major powers in Asian football. Founded in 1928, the Korean federation possesses a rich history and has built a tradition of excellence on the continent. The Taegeuk Warriors (named after the Taegeuk symbol on the national flag) play matches in several modern stadiums across the country, embodying the football passion of a nation of 51 million inhabitants.

Korean football history reached its peak during the 2002 World Cup co-hosted with Japan, where South Korea reached the semi-finals, a historic feat for an Asian nation. This legendary journey, led by Guus Hiddink and players like Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan, marked an entire generation and propelled Korean football onto the world stage. The country has regularly participated in World Cup finals since 1986, demonstrating consistency at the highest level.

South Korea relies on exceptional physical preparation and rigorous tactical discipline. The country regularly produces players who shine in major European leagues, like Son Heung-min, Tottenham star and national icon. The Taegeuk Warriors favor intense football based on pressing, running, and total commitment. The selection maintains a historic and passionate rivalry with Japan, a confrontation that extends far beyond the sporting context and mobilizes all of East Asia.

Korean football infrastructure stands among Asia's finest, with world-class training facilities and comprehensive youth development systems. The national team's tactical sophistication and athletic prowess make them perennial Asian contenders and respected World Cup participants. South Korea's football culture emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and relentless effort - values that have carried the Warriors to unprecedented Asian success.

FAQ

General Information

Founded: 1928

Official Website: www.kfa.or.kr