The South Korea national football team have been one of Asia's more successful sides since they made their debut at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Korea, in ancient times, had a ball game called 'chuk-guk' very similar in form to contemporary football. However, Koreans first saw the present version of football in 1882 when British crew members played a game while their vessel was visiting the lnchon Port.

In 1921, the first All Korea Football Tournament was held, and then in 1928, The Korea Football Association was organized, which created a foundation to disseminate and develop football in Korea. During the decades of colonial rule by Japan, football contributed to alleviating the frustrations of the subjugated Koreans and fostering the hope of liberation.

The Korea Football Association was reinstated in 1948, following the establishment of the Republic of Korea. The KFA became a member of FIFA, the international football governing body, in 1948. The KFA joined the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) in 1954.

Since the 1960's Korea emerged as a major football power in Asia, winning several prestigious Asian football championships. The Korean national team played in the World Cup finals for 5 consecutive from 1986, making its players the undisputed kings of Asian football. The Korean professional football league was launched in 1983 as the first of its kind in Asia. This not only pleased domestic fans, but it has also upgraded the level of the Korean football.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup is a sign of the rapid progress made in Korean football. Indeed, Korea's co-hosting of the event with Japan is the result of the Korean people's passion for and interest in football. Led by Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the national side astonished the world by dismissing traditional power Italy and advancing to the semi-finals, a first for Asian football. This achievement was the outcome of big support and endeavor from all the Korean people who love football so much. The enthusiasm of the red-clad supporters, the "red devils", also made a big impression on viewers. Now Korean football stands at the starting line of a new era.

World Cup record

• 1930 to 1950 - Did not enter
• 1954 - Round 1
• 1958 - Did not enter
• 1962 - Did not enter
• 1966 - Withdrew
• 1970 to 1982 - Did not qualify
• 1986 - Round 1
• 1990 - Round 1
• 1994 - Round 1
• 1998 - Round 1
• 2002 - Fourth place

Asian Cup record

• 1956 - Champions
• 1960 - Champions
• 1964 - Third place
• 1968 - Did not qualify
• 1972 - Second place
• 1976 - Did not qualify
• 1980 - Second place
• 1984 - Round 1
• 1988 - Second place
• 1992 - Did not qualify
• 1996 - Quarterfinals
• 2000 - Third place
• 2004 - Quarterfinals

2002 World Cup Squad