South Korea's best World Cup result was 4th position in 2002. Two other times they have progressed past the group stage in 2010 and 2022.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was their 10th successive appearance in this tournament, and 11th overall. South Korea have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1954

South Korea didn't make it out of Group 2 at the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

1986

South Korea didn't make it out of Group A at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

1990

South Korea didn't make it out of Group E at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

1994

South Korea didn't make it out of Group C at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

1998

South Korea didn't make it out of Group E at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

2002

South Korea reached the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-1 to Germany. The team also lost the third place match to Turkey.

2006

South Korea didn't make it out of Group G at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2010

South Korea made it to the Round of 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but lost 1-2 to Uruguay.

2014

South Korea didn't make it out of Group H at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2018

South Korea didn't make it out of Group F at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2022

South Korea made it to the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but lost 1-4 to Brazil.

2026

South Korea have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is in Group A and play against top teams like Mexico, South Africa, and Czech Republic.

Trivia

  • In 2002, The Korean team upset some more highly fancied opposition to make it into the 3rd place playoff. Along the way they beat Portugal, Italy and Spain.
  • The quickest yellow card shown to a substitute in the history of World Cup finals was awarded to Korean forward Cha Doo-Ri during his two-minute's play in a First Round match against Poland on 4 June 2002. Cha Doo-Ri was booked only after 20 seconds after coming in as a substitute during injury time.
  • As North Korea also qualified for the 2010 Cup, it was the first time in World Cup history that both North Korea and South Korea participated in the same tournament.