South Korea at the World Cup: Full History from 1954 to 2022

South Korea (officially Korea Republic) have appeared at 11 World Cups before 2026, the most of any AFC nation. The 2002 World Cup semi-final remains the only senior World Cup semi-final by any Asian nation, achieved as co-hosts of the tournament alongside Japan. South Korea's modern era dates to the 1986 World Cup, since when the country has qualified for every tournament except 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978 and 1982 (a 24-year absence between 1954 and 1986). The 2026 World Cup is South Korea's 11th tournament appearance.

Headline numbers

• World Cup titles: 0
• World Cup semi-finals reached: 1 (2002, the only Asian nation ever)
• World Cup appearances: 11 (every tournament since 1986 plus 1954)
• AFC Asian Cup titles: 2 (1956, 1960)
• All-time World Cup top scorer (South Korea): Son Heung-min (3 goals across 2014-2022); Park Ji-sung (3 goals across 2002-2010)
• Iconic individual moments: Hwang Sun-hong's 2002 hat-trick performance; Park Ji-sung's 2002 round of 16 winner against Italy; Son Heung-min's 2018 free-kick winner against Germany

The 1954 debut and long absence

South Korea's first World Cup appearance was the 1954 tournament in Switzerland, the first FIFA tournament after the country's recognition. The squad lost both group matches: 9-0 to Hungary and 7-0 to Turkey. The result reflected the structural challenges of post-war Korean football. South Korea would not return to the World Cup for 32 years.

Modern era return: 1986-1998

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico produced South Korea's return to tournament football. The squad lost their opening match 3-1 to Argentina (the famous Diego Maradona match where Maradona was kicked repeatedly), drew 1-1 with Bulgaria, and lost 3-2 to Italy. South Korea were eliminated at the group stage but produced encouraging performances.

The 1990 World Cup in Italy produced a group-stage exit (three losses). The 1994 World Cup in the United States ended in another group-stage exit (despite a 2-2 draw with Spain in their opening match). The 1998 World Cup in France ended in a third consecutive group-stage exit, with Hiddink-led Netherlands beating South Korea 5-0 in the most lopsided result.

The 2002 semi-final: Hiddink's miracle

The 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, produced one of the most remarkable tournament runs in modern football. Manager Guus Hiddink (the Dutchman who had previously guided the Netherlands to the 1998 semi-finals) was appointed in 2001 specifically to lead South Korea's home tournament campaign. The squad reached the semi-finals via:

• Group stage: beat Poland 2-0, drew with the United States 1-1, beat Portugal 1-0 (with Park Ji-sung scoring the winner)
• Round of 16: beat Italy 2-1 in extra time at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on 18 June 2002, with Ahn Jung-hwan scoring a golden goal, the match was widely controversial for officiating decisions including a disallowed Italy goal
• Quarter-final: beat Spain 0-0 (5-3 on penalties) at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on 22 June 2002, the match was widely controversial for two disallowed Spain goals
• Semi-final: lost 1-0 to Germany at Seoul World Cup Stadium on 25 June 2002, with Michael Ballack scoring the winner
• Third-place playoff: lost 3-2 to Turkey at Daegu World Cup Stadium on 29 June 2002

The 2002 semi-final remains the only senior World Cup semi-final by any Asian nation. The officiating controversies in the round of 16 (vs Italy) and quarter-final (vs Spain) became central to the tournament's lasting reputation.

2006-2014: round of 16 ceiling

The 2006 World Cup in Germany produced a group-stage exit despite the squad's quality. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa produced a round of 16 exit (lost 2-1 to Uruguay). The 2014 World Cup in Brazil produced another group-stage exit (one draw and two losses).

2018-2022: continued tournament participation

The 2018 World Cup in Russia produced a famous group-stage win over defending champions Germany 2-0 at Kazan Arena on 27 June 2018, with Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min scoring. The result eliminated Germany at the group stage but South Korea also went out with three points from three matches.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced a round of 16 run. South Korea drew with Uruguay 0-0 in their opening match, lost 3-2 to Ghana, and beat Portugal 2-1 in the famous final group match (Hwang Hee-chan scoring the late winner that put South Korea through). The round of 16 loss to Brazil 4-1 ended the campaign.

All-time top scorers and key players

• Son Heung-min: 3 World Cup goals across 2014, 2018 and 2022. South Korea's most internationally recognised player and 2024 Asian Cup top scorer.
• Park Ji-sung: 3 World Cup goals across 2002, 2006 and 2010. Manchester United midfielder who played in three Champions League finals.
• Cha Bum-kun: Played at the 1986 World Cup and was widely regarded as Korea's greatest player before Park's emergence.
• Ahn Jung-hwan: Scored the iconic 2002 round of 16 golden-goal winner against Italy.
• Hong Myung-bo: Captained the 2002 semi-final squad and now manages the 2026 squad.

Related guides

• South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, squad and tactics.
• World Cup 2026 hub.
• How the 2026 World Cup format works.
• Group A fixtures and standings.