South Korea national under-23 football team
National football team in South Korea
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The South Korea national under-23 football team (Korean: 대한민국 23세 이하 축구 국가대표팀; recognized as Korea Republic by FIFA, and Republic of Korea by IOC) represents South Korea at football in the Olympic Games and Asian Games. It was founded when the Olympic football was changed to an under-23 competition. It also can be managed as an under-21 or under-22 team if necessary.
Nickname(s)Taegeuk Warriors
Tigers of Asia
Tigers of Asia
AssociationKorea Football Association (KFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
| |||
| Nickname(s) | Taegeuk Warriors Tigers of Asia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Korea Football Association (KFA) | ||
| Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||
| Sub-confederation | EAFF (East Asia) | ||
| Head coach | Lee Min-sung | ||
| Most caps | Kim Do-heon (39) | ||
| Top scorer | Choi Yong-soo (18) Hwang Ui-jo (18) | ||
| FIFA code | KOR | ||
| |||
| First international | |||
 South Korea 5–0 Indonesia  (Masan, South Korea; 24 March 1991)[1] | |||
| Biggest win | |||
South Korea 10–0 Philippines  (Seoul, South Korea; 18 May 1991)  South Korea 10–0 Philippines  (Yangon, Myanmar; 30 June 2012) South Korea 10–0 Macau  (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 19 July 2017) | |||
| Biggest defeat | |||
 Saudi Arabia 4–0 South Korea (Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; 10 October 2025) | |||
| Olympic Games | |||
| Appearances | 8 (first in 1992) | ||
| Best result | Bronze medalists (2012) | ||
| Asian Games | |||
| Appearances | 6 (first in 2002) | ||
| Best result | Gold medalists (2014, 2018, 2022) | ||
| AFC U-23 Asian Cup | |||
| Appearances | 7 (first in 2013) | ||
| Best result | Champions (2020) | ||
History
London Generation
Under manager Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean under-23 team participated at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In the group stage, South Korea qualified for the quarter-finals as runners-up of their group by beating Switzerland 2–1 and drawing with Mexico and Gabon in two goalless matches. In the quarter-finals, South Korea met hosts Great Britain. South Korean forward Ji Dong-won scored the opening goal, but British midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored a penalty equaliser. Ramsey once again had a penalty chance four minutes after his penalty goal, but South Korea's over-aged goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong blocked it.[2] However, Jung was injured in a collision with Micah Richards in the middle of the second half, and was replaced by Lee Bum-young. Nevertheless, Lee did not concede a goal until the end of extra time, and made a save from the shot of Britain's fifth kicker Daniel Sturridge in the penalty shoot-out. South Korea beat Great Britain 5–4 on penalties and Lee was praised by finishing the game successfully, but the compliments turned to criticisms after the semi-finals. He conceded three goals against Brazil, failing to perform his role.[3] After being eliminated by a 3–0 loss to Brazil, South Korea competed with their historical rival Japan for a bronze medal. Their over-aged striker Park Chu-young scored the opening goal with a solo effort against three Japanese defenders, and Koo Ja-cheol scored an additional goal, a decisive one for the victory. South Korea won their first-ever medal in Olympic football after defeating Japan 2–0, and the medalists were exempted from mandatory military service according to the laws of the country. They were called the "London Generation" in South Korea, and most of them played for the senior team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated after finishing last in their group.[4]
Recent results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.[5]
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2025
| 3 September 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification | South Korea | 5–0 | Macau | Sidoarjo, Indonesia |
| 15:30 UTC+7 | Jeong Jae-sang  14', 49' (pen.) Park Seung-ho 45+4' Kang Seong-jin 58' Seo Jae-min 88' |
Report | Stadium: Gelora Delta Stadium Attendance: 106 |
| 6 September 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification | Laos  | 0–7 | South Korea | Sidoarjo, Indonesia |
| 15:30 UTC+7 | Report | Jung Ji-hun 44' Lee Kyu-dong 45+4' Cho Sang-hyeok 49', 60', 90+2' Park Seung-ho 69' (pen.) Hwang Do-yun 70' |
Stadium: Gelora Delta Stadium Attendance: 249 |
| 9 September 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification | South Korea | 1–0 | Indonesia | Sidoarjo, Indonesia |
| 19:30 UTC+7 | Hwang Do-yun 6' |
Report | Stadium: Gelora Delta Stadium |
| 10 October Friendly | Saudi Arabia | 4–0 | South Korea | Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia |
| 16:30 UTC+3 | Al Aliwa A. S. 40', 61' Al Julaydan A. 49' Al Subiani F. 64' |
Report | Stadium: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium |
| 14 October Friendly | Saudi Arabia | 2–0 | South Korea | Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia |
| 16:30 UTC+3 | Al Nemer M. 45' (pen.) Abdullah M. 79' (pen.) |
Report | Stadium: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium |
| 12 November 2025 Panda Cup | South Korea | 2–0 |  Uzbekistan | Chengdu, China |
| 15:30 UTC+8 | Jung Seung-bae 56' Kim Myung-jun 88' |
Report | Stadium: Shuangliu Sports Centre |
| 15 November 2025 Panda Cup | China  | 2–0 | South Korea | Chengdu, China |
| 19:35 UTC+8 | Behram Abduweli 71', 81' |
Report | Stadium: Shuangliu Sports Centre Attendance: 10,089 Referee: Tang Shunqi (China) |
| 18 November 2025 Panda Cup | Vietnam  | 0–1 | South Korea | Chengdu, China |
| 15:30 UTC+8 | Report | Kim Myung-jun 34' |
Stadium: Shuangliu Sports Centre |
2026
| 7 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup GS | South Korea | 0–0 |  Iran | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 14:30 UTC+3 | Report | Stadium: Al-Shabab Club Stadium Attendance: 127 Referee: Ammar Mahfoodh (Bahrain) |
| 10 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup GS | Lebanon  | 2–4 | South Korea | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 14:30 UTC+3 | Report |
|
Stadium: Al-Shabab Club Stadium Attendance: 588 Referee: Abdulla Al-Marri (Qatar) |
| 13 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup GS | Uzbekistan | 2–0 | South Korea | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 14:30 UTC+3 |
|
Report | Stadium: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium Attendance: 139 Referee: Qasim Al-Hatmi (Oman) |
| 17 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup QF | Australia  | 1–2 | South Korea | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| 18:30 UTC+3 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Attendance: 172 Referee: Fu Ming (China) |
| 20 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup SF | Japan  | 1–0 | South Korea | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| 14:30 UTC+3 |
|
Report | Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Attendance: 188 Referee: Abdulla Al-Marri (Qatar) |
| 23 January 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup 3rd | Vietnam | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (7–6 p) | South Korea | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| 18:00 UTC+3 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Attendance: 270 Referee: Abdullah Jamali (Kuwait) |
| Penalties | ||||
|
||||
| 29 March Friendly | South Korea | 2–1 | Japan | Cheonan, South Korea |
| 17:00 UTC+9 | Lee Young-jun 34', 49' |
Report | Ishii 77' |
Stadium: Korea Football Park |
| 31 March Friendly | South Korea | 1–4 |  United States | Cheonan, South Korea |
| 19:00 UTC+9 | Park Seung-ho 12' (pen.) |
Report |
|
Stadium: Korea Football Park |
| 3 June Friendly | South Korea | 1–1 |  United Arab Emirates | Thanyaburi, Thailand |
| 20:00 UTC+7 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: True BG Stadium |
| 6 June Friendly | Thailand  | 2–3 | South Korea | Thanyaburi, Thailand |
| 20:00 UTC+7 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: True BG Stadium |
| 9 June Friendly | South Korea | 0–1 |  Kyrgyzstan | Thanyaburi, Thailand |
| 20:00 UTC+7 | Report | Madanov 81' |
Stadium: True BG Stadium |
| 15 September 2026 Asian Games GS | Qatar  | v | South Korea | Nagoya, Japan |
| 19:30 UTC+9 | Stadium: Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium |
| 22 September 2026 Asian Games GS | South Korea | v | Saudi Arabia | Nagoya, Japan |
| 19:00 UTC+9 | Stadium: Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium |
All-time results
Coaching staff
Current personnel
U23
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Lee Min-sung |
| Coaches | Yeom Ki-hun Lee Kyung-soo |
| Goalkeeping coach | Yang Yeong-min |
| Fitness coaches | Jung Hyun-gyu |
U21
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Kim Eun-jung |
| Assistant Coach | Kim Tae-min |
| Coach | Cho Yong-hyung |
| Goalkeeping coach | Chung Yoo-suk |
| Fitness coaches | Ho Jung-il |
Manager history
Caretaker manager
| No. | Manager[11] | Year | Pld | W | D | L | Win % | Competition(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim Sam-rak |
1991–1992 | 30 | 21 | 6 | 3 | 70.00 | 1992 Summer Olympics group stage |
| 2 |  Anatoliy Byshovets |
1994–1996 | 43 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 44.19 | 1996 Summer Olympics group stage |
| 3 | Huh Jung-moo |
1998–2000 | 30 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 83.33 | 2000 Summer Olympics group stage |
| 4 | Park Hang-seo |
2002 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 77.78 | 2002 Asian Games bronze medal |
| 5 | Kim Ho-kon |
2003–2004 | 31 | 19 | 6 | 6 | 61.29 | 2004 Summer Olympics quarter-finals |
| 6 |  Pim Verbeek |
2006–2007 | 15 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 66.67 | 2006 Asian Games fourth place |
| 7 | Park Sung-hwa |
2007–2008 | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 53.85 | 2008 Summer Olympics group stage |
| 8 | Hong Myung-bo |
2009–2012 | 32 | 19 | 8 | 5 | 59.38 | 2010 Asian Games bronze medal 2012 Summer Olympics bronze medal |
| — | Kim Tae-young[note 1] |
2012 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 | — |
| — | Chung Jung-yong |
2012 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.00 | — |
| 9 | Lee Kwang-jong |
2013–2015 | 22 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 54.55 | 2013 AFC U-22 Championship fourth place 2014 Asian Games gold medal |
| — | Choi Moon-sik[note 2] |
2015 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 | — |
| 10 | Shin Tae-yong |
2015–2016 | 30 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 60.00 | 2016 AFC U-23 Championship runner-up 2016 Summer Olympics quarter-finals |
| — | Chung Jung-yong |
2017 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 | — |
| 11 | Kim Bong-gil |
2017–2018 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 50.00 | 2018 AFC U-23 Championship fourth place |
| 12 | Kim Hak-bum |
2018–2021 | 33 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 66.67 | 2018 Asian Games gold medal 2020 AFC U-23 Championship champion 2020 Summer Olympics quarter-finals |
| 13 | Hwang Sun-hong |
2021–2024 | 31 | 23 | 3 | 5 | 74.19 | 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals 2022 Asian Games gold medal 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals |
| — | Myung Jae-yong |
2024 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 | 2024 WAFF U-23 Championship champion |
| — | Choi Jae-young |
2024 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 20.00 | — |
| — | Lee Chang-hyun |
2025 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 33.33 | — |
| 14 | Lee Min-sung |
2025–present | 21 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 42.86 | 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup fourth place |
| Total | 370 | 227 | 78 | 65 | 61.35 | — | ||
Players
Current U23 squad
The following players were called up for the 2026 Asian Games.[13][14]
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Lee Seung-hwan | 5 April 2003 | Chungbuk Cheongju | |||
| GK | Kim Jun-hong | 3 June 2003 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | |||
| GK | Kim Min-seung | 9 February 2005 | Paju Frontier | |||
| DF | Choi Seok-hyeon | 13 January 2003 | Ulsan HD | |||
| DF | Park Seong-hoon | 27 January 2003 | FC Seoul | |||
| DF | Kang Min-jun | 8 April 2003 | Pohang Steelers | |||
| DF | Park Gyeong-seop | 2 July 2004 | Incheon United | |||
| DF | Choi Woo-jin | 18 July 2004 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | |||
| DF | Kim Ji-soo | 24 December 2004 |  Brentford | |||
| DF | Bae Hyun-seo | 16 February 2005 | Gyeongnam FC | |||
| DF | Shin Min-ha | 15 September 2005 | Gangwon FC | |||
| MF | Lee Gi-hyuk OA | 7 July 2000 | Gangwon FC | |||
| MF | Eom Ji-sung OA | 9 May 2002 |  Swansea City | |||
| MF | Yang Hyun-jun OA | 25 May 2002 |  Celtic | |||
| MF | Lee Hyun-ju | 7 February 2003 |  Arouca | |||
| MF | Lee Seung-won | 6 March 2003 | Gangwon FC | |||
| MF | Hwang Do-yun | 9 April 2003 | FC Seoul | |||
| MF | Bae Jun-ho | 21 August 2003 | Stoke City | |||
| MF | Kang Sang-yoon | 31 May 2004 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | |||
| MF | Yang Min-hyeok | 16 April 2006 |  Westerlo | |||
| MF | Park Seung-soo | 17 March 2007 | Newcastle United U21 | |||
| FW | Lee Young-jun | 23 May 2003 |  Grasshopper | |||
| FW | Kim Myung-jun | 21 March 2006 | Jong Genk | |||
OA Overage player. | ||||||
Recent U23 call-ups
The following players have also been called up to a South Korea under-23 squad within the last 12 months.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Han Tae-hee | 5 July 2004 | Daegu FC |
v. United States, 31 March 2026 | ||
| GK | Hwang Jae-yun | 18 March 2003 | Seoul E-Land |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| GK | Moon Hyun-ho | 13 May 2003 | Gimcheon Sangmu |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| GK | Hong Seong-min | 29 September 2006 | Pohang Steelers |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| GK | Kim Dong-hwa | 7 May 2003 | Gwangju FC |
v. Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025 | ||
| GK | Jeon Ji-wan | 14 May 2004 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
v. Indonesia, 9 September 2025 | ||
| DF | Jang Seok-hwan | 11 October 2004 | Gwangju FC |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| DF | Lee Hyun-yong | 29 December 2003 | Suwon FC |
v. United States, 31 March 2026 | ||
| DF | Park Jun-seo | 26 April 2004 | Hwaseong FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| DF | Kim Do-hyun | 12 May 2004 | Gangwon FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| DF | Jo Hyun-tae | 27 October 2004 | Daegu FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| DF | Lee Geon-hee | 11 March 2005 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| DF | Choi Ye-hoon | 19 August 2003 | Hwaseong FC |
v. Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025 | ||
| DF | Kang Min-woo | 2 March 2006 | Kataller Toyama |
v. Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025 | ||
| DF | Han Hyeon-seo | 2 January 2004 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
v. Indonesia, 9 September 2025 | ||
| DF | Jeong Kang-min | 18 December 2004 | Jeonnam Dragons |
v. Indonesia, 9 September 2025 | ||
| MF | Kang Seong-jin | 26 March 2003 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Park Seung-ho | 1 September 2003 | Incheon United |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Seo Jae-min | 16 September 2003 | Incheon United |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Baek Ji-ung | 29 August 2004 | Seoul E-Land |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Yoon Do-young | 28 October 2006 |  1. FC Magdeburg |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Son Jeong-beom | 28 September 2007 | FC Seoul |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| MF | Cho Joon-hyun | 4 February 2004 | Seoul E-Land |
v. United States, 31 March 2026 | ||
| MF | Kim Min-su | 19 January 2006 | Rangers |
v. United States, 31 March 2026 | ||
| MF | Lee Chan-ouk | 3 February 2003 | Gimcheon Sangmu |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| MF | Kim Han-seo | 14 February 2003 | Yongin FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| MF | Kim Yong-hak | 20 May 2003 | Pohang Steelers |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| MF | Kim Dong-jin | 30 July 2003 | Pohang Steelers |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| MF | Park Hyun-bin | 19 May 2003 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
Cheonan training camp, December 2025 INJ | ||
| MF | Kim Ju-chan | 29 March 2004 | Gimcheon Sangmu |
v. Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025 | ||
| MF | Chae Hyun-woo | 19 August 2004 | FC Anyang |
v. Indonesia, 9 September 2025 | ||
| FW | Ha Jeong-woo | 8 November 2005 | Suwon FC |
v. Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2026 | ||
| FW | Jung Seung-bae | 9 November 2003 | Suwon FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| FW | Jung Ji-hun | 9 April 2004 | Gwangju FC |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| FW | Jeong Jae-sang | 25 May 2004 | Ulsan HD |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| FW | Kim Tae-won | 11 March 2005 | Kataller Toyama |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| FW | Baek Ga-on | 23 January 2006 | Busan IPark |
2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||
| FW | Cho Sang-hyeok | 23 January 2004 | Pohang Steelers |
v. Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025 | ||
| FW | Lee Kyu-dong | 24 January 2004 | Yongin FC |
v. Indonesia, 9 September 2025 | ||
INJ Withdrew due to injury. | ||||||
Current U21 squad
The following players were called up for the Cheonan Korea Football Park training camp in August 2026.[15][16]
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Kim Hyung-jun | 27 April 2005 | Sungkyunkwan University | |||
| GK | Woo Kyu-jeong | 16 May 2006 | Chung-Ang University | |||
| DF | Kim Seo-jin | 7 January 2005 | Gimcheon Sangmu | |||
| DF | Chung Ma-ho | 14 January 2005 | Gimcheon Sangmu | |||
| DF | Kang Chan-sol | 14 May 2005 | Korea University | |||
| DF | Shin Il-yeon | 17 July 2005 | Chungnam Asan | |||
| DF | Um Joon-hyeok | 28 December 2005 | Dankook University | |||
| DF | Lee Ji-hun | 19 January 2006 | Kwangwoon University | |||
| DF | Lee Tak-ho | 14 February 2006 | Chung-Ang University | |||
| DF | Mun Ji-won | 2 April 2006 | Ulsan University | |||
| DF | Kim Seung-eon | 20 September 2006 | Hanyang University | |||
| DF | Han Jae-bin | 4 November 2006 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | |||
| MF | Kang Seung-ho | 7 April 2005 | Honam University | |||
| MF | Jo Woo-ryeong | 16 June 2005 | Hannam University | |||
| MF | Min Si-young | 21 June 2005 | Ulsan University | |||
| MF | Kim Seung-hyun | 21 January 2006 | Ulsan University | |||
| MF | Kim Ju-hyun | 8 February 2006 | Dongguk University | |||
| MF | Jin Dong-hwan | 28 April 2006 | Yong In University | |||
| MF | Son Tae-hoon | 30 June 2006 | Tongmyong University | |||
| FW | Bae Hyun-min | 9 May 2005 | Jungwon University | |||
| FW | Yu Ye-jong | 8 September 2005 | Howon University | |||
| FW | Lee Tae-kyung | 19 January 2006 | Chung-Ang University | |||
| FW | Kim Gi-wan | 5 June 2006 | Kyonggi University | |||
| FW | Jeon Min-gyu | 8 July 2006 | Seongnam FC | |||
| FW | Seo Hyeog-joon | 9 October 2006 | Ulsan University | |||
| FW | Na Hyeon-seo | 27 December 2006 | Calvin University | |||
Recent U21 call-ups
The following players have also been called up to a South Korea under-21 squad within the last 12 months.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Park Sang-young | 17 September 2005 | Gimcheon Sangmu |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| GK | Lee Gyeong-jun | 27 January 2006 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| GK | Lee Sang-hyeon | 19 July 2006 | Bucheon FC 1995 |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| GK | Hong Seong-min | 29 September 2006 | Pohang Steelers |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| GK | Yun Ki-wook | 10 October 2006 | FC Seoul |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| DF | Ham Sun-woo | 28 January 2005 | Hwaseong FC |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Hwang Seok-ki | 26 February 2005 | Seongnam FC |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Lee Geon-hee | 11 March 2005 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Choi Seung-gu | 28 September 2005 | Incheon United |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Kim Ho-jin | 29 September 2005 | Pohang Steelers |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Kwon Gi-min | 27 October 2005 | Jeju SK |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Kang Min-woo | 2 March 2006 | Kataller Toyama |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Seo Jeong-hyeok | 9 March 2006 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| DF | Ko Jong-hyun | 11 April 2006 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 WD | ||
| DF | Lee Ye-chan | 23 May 2005 | Bucheon FC 1995 |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| DF | Jang Ha-yun | 30 June 2005 | Paju Frontier |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| DF | Jo In-jung | 8 November 2005 | Jeju SK |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| MF | Sung Shin | 13 January 2005 | Bucheon FC 1995 |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Hwang Seo-woong | 22 January 2005 | Pohang Steelers |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Park Hye-sung | 9 April 2005 | Busan IPark |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Choi Byeong-wook | 11 April 2005 | Jeju SK |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Son Seung-min | 9 May 2005 | Daegu FC |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Baek Min-gyu | 20 November 2005 | Incheon United |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Kim Jun-ha | 2 December 2005 | Gimcheon Sangmu |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Jin Tae-ho | 20 January 2006 | Yongin FC |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Kim Hyun-min | 30 July 2006 | Busan IPark |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Baek In-woo | 29 November 2006 | Ulsan HD |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| MF | Hwang Tae-hwan | 23 July 2005 | Sangji University |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| MF | Sung Ye-geon | 30 October 2005 | Bucheon FC 1995 |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| MF | Baek Seung-won | 15 February 2006 | Pohang Steelers |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
| FW | Kim Gyeol | 14 January 2005 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| FW | Baek Ga-on | 23 January 2006 | Busan IPark |
Cheonan training camp, June 2026 | ||
| FW | Eo Dam | 23 March 2006 | Bucheon FC 1995 |
Namhae training camp, March 2026 | ||
INJ Withdrew due to injury. | ||||||
Overage players
Football at the Summer Olympics and the Asian Games have required that under-23 players enter the competitions, but they have allowed three overage players can be included in one squad. These three players are called the "Wild cards" in South Korea.[17] According to South Korean laws, Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists can be exempted from the military service, and so top-level players also compete for wild cards.[18]
| Olympics | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Lim-saeng (DF)[a] Lee Kyung-chun (DF) |
Ha Seok-ju (MF) | Hwang Sun-hong (FW) | |
| Kang Chul (DF) | Kim Sang-sik (DF) | Kim Do-hoon (FW) | |
| Yoo Sang-chul (MF) | Chung Kyung-ho (FW) | — | |
| Kim Dong-jin (DF) | Kim Jung-woo (MF) | — | |
| Jung Sung-ryong (GK) | Kim Chang-soo (DF) | Park Chu-young (FW) | |
| Jang Hyun-soo (DF) | Son Heung-min (FW) | Suk Hyun-jun (FW) | |
| Park Ji-soo (DF) | Kwon Chang-hoon (MF) | Hwang Ui-jo (FW) | |
| Asian Games | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 |
| Lee Woon-jae (GK) | Kim Young-chul (DF) | Lee Young-pyo (DF) | |
| Kim Dong-jin (DF) | Kim Do-heon (MF) | Lee Chun-soo (FW) | |
| Kim Jung-woo (MF) | Park Chu-young (FW) | — | |
| Kim Seung-gyu (GK) | Park Joo-ho (DF) | Kim Shin-wook (FW) | |
| Jo Hyeon-woo (GK) | Hwang Ui-jo (FW) | Son Heung-min (FW) | |
| Park Jin-seob (DF) | Seol Young-woo (DF) | Paik Seung-ho (MF) | |
| Eom Ji-sung (MF) | Lee Gi-hyuk (MF) | Yang Hyun-jun (MF) |
- Lee Lim-saeng was replaced by reserve player Lee Kyung-chun after the second match due to his injury.
Records
Statistics below are from matches which the KFA consider as official including non-international matches (against clubs, regional teams, and other KFA teams).
Most appearances
- As of 20 July 2026
| Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim Do-heon | 39 | 3 | 2002–2006 | [19] |
| 2 | Kim Dong-jin | 37 | 6 | 2002–2008 | [20] |
| 3 | Lee Ki-hyung | 36 | 7 | 1994–1996 | [21] |
| Kim Jung-woo | 36 | 2 | 2003–2010 | [22] | |
| 5 | Choi Tae-uk | 34 | 8 | 2000–2004 | [23] |
| Choi Sung-kuk | 34 | 1 | 2002–2006 | [24] | |
| 7 | Choi Sung-yong | 33 | 0 | 1994–1996 | [25] |
| 8 | Choi Yong-soo | 31 | 18 | 1994–1996 | [26] |
| Moon Chang-jin | 31 | 16 | 2013–2016 | [27] | |
| Cho Young-wook | 31 | 14 | 2017–2023 | [28] |
Top goalscorers
- As of 20 July 2026
| Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hwang Ui-jo | 18 | 28 | 0.64 | 2012–2021 | [29] |
| Choi Yong-soo | 18 | 31 | 0.58 | 1994–1996 | [26] | |
| 3 | Lee Dong-gook | 16 | 25 | 0.64 | 1999–2002 | [30] |
| Moon Chang-jin | 16 | 31 | 0.52 | 2013–2016 | [27] | |
| 5 | Cho Young-wook | 14 | 31 | 0.45 | 2017–2023 | [28] |
| 6 | Park Chu-young | 12 | 30 | 0.4 | 2006–2012 | [31] |
| 7 | Jeong Woo-yeong | 11 | 20 | 0.55 | 2019–2023 | [32] |
| Kwon Chang-hoon | 11 | 25 | 0.44 | 2015–2021 | [33] | |
| Lee Chun-soo | 11 | 28 | 0.39 | 1999–2006 | [34] | |
| 10 | Cho Jae-jin | 9 | 23 | 0.39 | 2003–2004 | [35] |
Competitive record
Champions Runners-up Third place Tournament played on home soil
Summer Olympics
- Football at the Summer Olympics was a senior tournament until 1988.
| Summer Olympics record | Qualification record[36] | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1948–1988 | Entered with the senior team | Entered with the senior team | |||||||||||||
 1992 | Group stage | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Squad | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 36 | 4 | |
| 1996 | Group stage | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Squad | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 5 | |
| 2000 | Group stage | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Squad | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 2 | |
 2004 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 8 | Squad | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2008 | Group stage | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Squad | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 4 | |
 2012 | Bronze medalists | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | Squad | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 4 | |
 2016 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Squad | Via AFC U-23 Asian Cup | ||||||
| 2020 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 7 | Squad | |||||||
 2024 | Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| Total | Bronze medalists | 30 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 46 | 35 | 8/9 | 57 | 44 | 11 | 2 | 123 | 19 | |
AFC U-23 Asian Cup
| AFC U-23 Asian Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
 2013 | Fourth place | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | Squad | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 3 | |
| 2016 | Runners-up | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 6 | Squad | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2018 | Fourth place | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | Squad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2020 | Champions | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | Squad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 3 | |
| 2022 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | Squad | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2024 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | Squad | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2026 | Fourth place | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | Squad | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2028 | To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
| Total | 1 title | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 60 | 36 | 7/7 | 22 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 94 | 8 | |
Asian Games
- Football at the Asian Games was a senior tournament until 1998.
| Asian Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad |
| 1951–1998 | Entered with the senior team | |||||||
| 2002 | Bronze medalists | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 2 | Squad |
| 2006 | Fourth place | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 2 | Squad |
| 2010 | Bronze medalists | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 6 | Squad |
| 2014 | Gold medalists | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | Squad |
| 2018 | Gold medalists | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 7 | Squad |
| 2022 | Gold medalists | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 3 | Squad |
| 2026 | To be determined | |||||||
| 2030 | ||||||||
| 2034 | ||||||||
| Total | 3 titles | 40 | 34 | 1 | 5 | 102 | 20 | 6/6 |
Other competitions
| Competition | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 WAFF U-23 Championship |
Champions | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | Squad |
Head-to-head record
The following table shows South Korea under-23s' head-to-head record against each foreign national team, as of 9 June 2026.[7]
| Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Algeria |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
 Argentina |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Australia |
19 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 30 | 16 | +14 | 63.16 |
 Austria |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00 |
 Bahrain |
10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 1 | +18 | 90.00 |
 Bangladesh |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | +10 | 100.00 |
| Brazil |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 11 | −10 | 0.00 |
 Brunei |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
 Bulgaria |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 100.00 |
 Cambodia |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 100.00 |
 Cameroon |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Canada |
4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 50.00 |
 Chile |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
| China |
21 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 30 | 12 | +18 | 66.67 |
 Chinese Taipei |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1 | +22 | 100.00 |
 Colombia |
3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Colombia U20 |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
 Costa Rica |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
 Czech Republic |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
 Denmark |
4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 0.00 |
| Denmark XI |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Timor-Leste |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | +9 | 66.67 |
 Egypt |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 50.00 |
| England |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Estonia |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 100.00 |
 Fiji |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | +8 | 100.00 |
| France |
5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | +0 | 20.00 |
 Gabon |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Germany |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Ghana |
5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 80.00 |
 Great Britain |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Greece |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Guatemala |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
 Honduras |
5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 3 | +8 | 60.00 |
| Honduras U20 |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
 Hong Kong |
5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | +18 | 100.00 |
| Indonesia |
9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 5 | +22 | 88.89 |
| Indonesia U20 |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Iran |
10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 8 | +6 | 60.00 |
 Iraq |
7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 42.86 |
| Iraq A |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Italy |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 0.00 |
 Ivory Coast |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Ivory Coast U20 |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Japan |
20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 22 | 22 | +0 | 50.00 |
| Japan U20 |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Japan Universiade |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
 Jordan |
7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 4 | +8 | 57.14 |
 Kazakhstan |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
 Kuwait |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 2 | +10 | 66.67 |
| Kuwait A |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Kyrgyzstan |
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 75.00 |
| Laos |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | +9 | 100.00 |
| Lebanon |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 100.00 |
 Lesotho |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
| Macau |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | +15 | 100.00 |
 Malaysia |
11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 7 | +16 | 72.73 |
| Malaysia A |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 50.00 |
 Maldives |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00 |
 Mali |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Mexico |
10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 10 | −1 | 30.00 |
 Morocco |
6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | −4 | 16.67 |
 Myanmar |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 66.67 |
 Namibia |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
| Netherlands |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
 New Zealand |
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 75.00 |
 Nigeria |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | +12 | 100.00 |
 North Korea |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 50.00 |
 Norway |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Norway A |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
| Oman |
6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | +15 | 100.00 |
 Palestine |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
 Paraguay |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Paraguay XI |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 50.00 |
| Philippines |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | +30 | 100.00 |
| Qatar |
8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 12.50 |
| Qatar U20 |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Romania |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00 |
| Russia |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 50.00 |
| Saudi Arabia |
15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 12 | +3 | 53.33 |
| Scotland |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00 |
 Senegal |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 100.00 |
 Singapore |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 100.00 |
 South Africa |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Spain |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0.00 |
 Sri Lanka |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
 Sweden |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 33.33 |
| Switzerland |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 100.00 |
 Syria |
5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 60.00 |
| Thailand |
8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | +15 | 100.00 |
| Thailand A |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 50.00 |
 Trinidad and Tobago |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 50.00 |
 Tunisia |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 100.00 |
| United Arab Emirates |
12 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 20 | 7 | +13 | 66.67 |
| United States |
6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | −1 | 50.00 |
| Uzbekistan |
18 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 35 | 20 | +15 | 72.22 |
| Vietnam |
10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 60.00 |
 Yemen |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 66.67 |
| Total | 370 | 227 | 78 | 65 | 713 | 285 | +428 | 61.35 |
Honours
Intercontinental
Bronze medalists: 2012
Continental
Regional
Champions: 2024
Friendly competitions
Awards
- AFC National Team of the Year: 2012
- AFC U-23 Asian Cup Fair Play Award: 2013, 2026
See also
Notes
- Managed separate under-21 team in the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship qualification.
- Managed under-22 team as a caretaker in the 2015 King's Cup because former manager Lee Kwang-jong urgently resigned from the team due to his acute leukemia.[12]