South Korea national team

The South Korea national football team is one of the most storied and decorated sides in Asian football, with a history of achievement spanning more than seven decades. The "Taeguk Warriors" were the first-ever champions of the AFC Asian Cup, lifting the inaugural title in 1956 in Hong Kong, then repeating the feat just four years later when they hosted and won the 1960 edition on home soil for back-to-back titles. Even though more than six decades have passed since that last triumph, South Korea has remained a continental heavyweight, reaching four further finals in 1972, 1980, 1988 and 2015 (the last of which they lost to Australia in extra time), making them one of the most frequent finalists in the tournament's history despite not adding a new title to their cabinet since 1960.

At World Cup level, South Korea is Asia's most represented nation in the tournament's finals, having appeared 12 times overall and maintained an unbroken run of qualification since 1986 to the present day. The 2002 edition, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, remains the most successful in the team's history: a golden generation rode a thrilling run that included eliminating Italy and Spain en route to a fourth-place finish, still the best result any Asian side has ever achieved at a World Cup.

That rich history was built by generations of legends whose names have been woven into Korean football for decades, chief among them Cha Bum-kun, the national team's all-time top scorer and a star of German football in the 1980s, alongside Hong Myung-bo, captain of the golden 2002 World Cup side and one of Asian football's defensive greats. After them came Park Ji-sung, the Manchester United icon who embodied the rise of Korean players to the top of European football, alongside other notable names such as Lee Young-pyo and Ahn Jung-hwan, right through to today's generation led by global superstar Son Heung-min, one of the greatest Asian players in history and a former Tottenham Hotspur talisman.

Yet the current state of the national team looks far removed from those past glories. Having qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, the Taeguk Warriors were drawn into a group with Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. They made a promising start with a 2-1 win over Czechia, before stumbling to a 0-1 loss against Mexico and then a 0-1 defeat to South Africa in the final round, exiting the tournament at the group stage in a campaign widely described at home as "disappointing" given the level of talent in the squad. The result triggered widespread anger in South Korea, with the country's president going as far as calling for a government investigation into the circumstances of the early exit and the process behind the coaching appointment. In the wake of that criticism, head coach Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation just days after the elimination, bringing a short and turbulent tenure to an end. He had taken charge in July 2024, succeeding German manager Jürgen Klinsmann, who had been sacked months earlier. As of now, the Korea Football Association is still searching for a new head coach to lead the team through a pivotal period ahead of a major continental tournament.

Despite the World Cup heartbreak, the months ahead offer the Taeguk Warriors a golden opportunity for redemption, with the 2027 AFC Asian Cup fast approaching, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time in its history. If you follow the South Korea national team and want to be part of this moment, FansPass is your ideal destination for booking and buying South Korea national team tickets safely and easily.

South Korea's Matches at the 2027 Asian Cup

The 2027 Asian Cup kicks off on January 7 and concludes with the final on February 5, 2027, with matches being played across stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. South Korea will compete in the 2027 Asian Cup in Group E, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Yemen Here are the Taeguk Warriors' group-stage fixtures:

• South Korea vs. Yemen: Sunday, January 10, 2027
• South Korea vs. Vietnam: Friday, January 15, 2027
• South Korea vs. United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, January 20, 2027

How Much Do South Korea National Team Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices for South Korea national team matches vary depending on the opponent, the significance of the match, and the seat location inside the stadium. Decisive Taeguk Warriors matches or clashes against high-profile opponents typically see higher demand and higher prices compared to early group-stage fixtures. South Korea's matches fall under the same official price categories set for the 2027 Asian Cup, though prices may vary slightly by fixture and demand:

• Category 2 (CAT 2): roughly SAR 300 to 700
• Category 1 (CAT 1): roughly SAR 350 to 1,200
• Premium: roughly SAR 1,800 to 3,500
• Platinum and Match Silver Village: starting from around SAR 1,800 and potentially exceeding SAR 4,500 depending on the stadium and match
• Match Club Gold: starting from around SAR 9,000

These prices are approximate averages that vary from match to match and seat to seat, particularly for fixtures that draw strong turnout from the Korean community and neutral fans alike, so it's always worth checking the interactive seat map on each match page on FansPass to see the exact price and categories actually available before booking.

For those looking for the best value, booking tickets early after sales open typically offers a better chance of securing lower prices compared to booking in the final days before the match, when demand rises sharply, especially for decisive fixtures. You can also compare the different categories via the interactive seat map on FansPass to find the right balance between seat location and budget.

How Can I Book South Korea National Team Tickets?

FansPass makes it possible to book and buy South Korea national team tickets at the best prices, in a completely secure way, through a few simple steps:

1. Select South Korea National Team: Choose the "South Korea National Team" destination as soon as you enter the FansPass platform.
2. Choose the Match: Browse the list of Taeguk Warriors matches at the 2027 Asian Cup and select the match you want to attend.
3. Ticket Type: Choose the ticket category that suits you and your family, along with the number of tickets required.
4. Discount Code: Enter your discount code in the designated field (if you have one) to take advantage of the discount.
5. Personal Details: Enter your email address accurately to complete the purchase and receive your tickets.
6. Payment Method: Choose your preferred payment method, whether via credit card or your FansPass wallet.
7. Receive Your Tickets: Once payment is successfully completed, check your email, where your digital tickets will be ready for use.

How Can I Guarantee the Lowest Price for South Korea National Team Tickets?

If you've selected a seat for a Taeguk Warriors match and found a cheaper price for it elsewhere, all you need to do is message us on WhatsApp with the following information:

• The email address linked to your FansPass account
• Your name and phone number
• Your FansPass order number, and the name of the site where you found the lower price
• A link to the payment page on the competitor's website
• A screenshot showing the price on the competitor's site at checkout (including all fees), along with the date and time

Within 30 minutes of your request, our FansPass support team will verify your request and assist you right away.

What Is the Best Site to Resell South Korea National Team Tickets?

Many fans consider FansPass the best site to resell South Korea national team tickets, thanks to its trusted marketplace and pricing transparency. You can also track price drops, sort tickets by the best deals, and buy with full confidence thanks to the platform's buyer guarantee, whether you're looking for tickets to Taeguk Warriors group-stage matches or knockout-round fixtures at the 2027 Asian Cup.

Why Buy South Korea National Team Tickets from FansPass?

FansPass isn't just an ordinary ticket marketplace; we make finding and buying Taeguk Warriors tickets fast, easy, and worry-free.

• Buyer Guarantee: Every South Korea national team ticket purchased through FansPass is protected by a 100% guarantee; we will fix and resolve any issue, no matter what happens.
• User-Friendly Interface: FansPass is designed to make browsing and searching for tickets simple, making finding and buying them as straightforward as possible.
• See the View From Your Seat Before Buying: The platform gives you a real preview of the view from your seat before completing your Taeguk Warriors ticket purchase.
• Price Transparency: Fees are displayed clearly upfront, so there are no surprises or hidden charges at checkout.
• Comprehensive Coverage of All South Korea Matches: Whether it's a friendly, a group-stage clash, or a knockout match at the 2027 Asian Cup, FansPass brings all these events together in one place to make searching and booking easier for fans.

Will Seats Booked for South Korea National Team Tickets via FansPass Be Together?

Yes, FansPass guarantees that South Korea national team tickets purchased together in a single transaction will have adjacent seats, unless otherwise stated in the listing details. This allows groups of friends or families to sit together, ensuring an enjoyable shared experience with no worries about seating arrangements, whether you're a small group or a whole family coming to support the Taeguk Warriors at one of the 2027 Asian Cup matches.

Tips Before Buying South Korea National Team Tickets

• Confirm the Ticket Quantity: Make sure you select the full number of tickets you need in a single purchase.
• Review the Seating Chart: Check the stadium map and the notes listed on the ticket details page.
• Use the Filters: Use the search filters to find listings that offer the exact number of seats you need together.
• Book Early: Given the strong expected turnout for Taeguk Warriors matches at the 2027 Asian Cup, it's advisable to book early before prices rise closer to match day.
• Watch South Korea's Decisive Matches: Decisive matches or clashes against major footballing nations see much higher demand, so the closer a match gets to that profile, the more important early booking becomes to secure a seat at the right price.
• Verify Ticket Authenticity: Always make sure to buy through a trusted platform that offers a buyer guarantee, to avoid any counterfeit or questionable tickets, especially for high-demand matches.

Can I Sell South Korea National Team Tickets via FansPass?

Yes, if you've bought South Korea national team tickets and can no longer attend, FansPass lets you relist them for sale to other fans through the following steps:

1. Log In: Open the platform and log in to your personal account.
2. Your Profile: Click on the "My Account" icon.
3. Start Selling: From the available menu, select the "Sell" option.
4. Add Tickets: Click on the "Add Tickets" option.
5. Select the Event: Choose the relevant match.
6. Ticket Details: Add all the required details and information for the ticket(s) you want to sell.
7. Proof of Purchase: Upload the proof and documentation verifying the ticket's authenticity.
8. Delivery Method: Choose the appropriate delivery method for listing the tickets.
9. Set the Price: Set the price at which you want to sell the ticket.
10. Save and Publish: Click "Save" to have your ticket listed immediately on the platform's marketplace for interested buyers.

History of the South Korea National Team

The Korea Football Association was founded in 1933, joined FIFA in 1948, and joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1954. From that early foundation, the Korean national team developed rapidly, becoming the dominant force in Asian football during the first two decades of the Asian Cup's existence, winning the title in the competition's first two editions in a row (1956 and 1960).

Through the 1970s and 1980s, the Taeguk Warriors maintained a strong continental presence, reaching two further Asian Cup finals (1972 and 1980), before the early 1990s marked a historic turning point: qualification for the 1986 World Cup after a three-decade absence from the tournament, launching an unbroken run of appearances that continues to this day. That continental and global presence peaked in 2002, when the team co-hosted the World Cup with Japan and achieved a fourth-place finish under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, one of the most inspiring stories in the tournament's history for an Asian nation.

Alongside that, the team continued its strong Asian Cup presence, reaching the final again in 1988 and 2015, without success on either occasion. A long line of local and foreign coaches has led the Taeguk Warriors over the years, including Guus Hiddink (2002), Pim Verbeek, Uli Stielike, Paulo Bento, and more recently German coach Jürgen Klinsmann and his successor Hong Myung-bo. Alongside this, the K League has remained a key pillar for the national team, along with a large wave of Korean players plying their trade professionally in Europe, who have raised the team's level over the past two decades. Today, the Taeguk Warriors stand at a new crossroads, seeking to move past the disappointment of the 2026 World Cup and reclaim continental glory as the 2027 Asian Cup approaches.

South Korea National Team Titles and Achievements

• AFC Asian Cup: Two titles (1956 and 1960), plus four runner-up finishes in 1972, 1980, 1988, and 2015
• Asian Games: Multiple gold medals in men's football throughout its history, reflecting its sustained regional dominance
• Fourth Place at the World Cup: A historic achievement reached in the 2002 edition co-hosted with Japan, still the best result by any Asian nation in World Cup history to date
• Near-Constant Presence at World Cup Finals: 12 appearances to date, including 11 consecutive appearances since 1986, making the Taeguk Warriors the most represented Asian nation in the tournament's history

South Korea's All-Time Top Scorer

Legend Cha Bum-kun holds the title of South Korea's all-time top scorer, undisputed, having netted 58 goals in 136 international appearances between 1972 and 1986, before later moving to the German Bundesliga, where he left a major mark with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, winning the UEFA Cup with each club.

Current star Son Heung-min is gradually closing in on this historic tally, currently sitting second on the all-time list with 56 international goals, just two goals shy of Cha Bum-kun's record, making him the leading candidate to break the record in the next stage of his international career. At World Cup level specifically, Son Heung-min shares the top spot among South Korea's all-time World Cup scorers with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan, each with 3 goals.

South Korea's History at the AFC Asian Cup

South Korea has appeared in the AFC Asian Cup finals 15 times to date, failing to qualify on only three occasions (1968, 1976, and 1992), making it one of the most frequent participants in the tournament's history. Here are its key milestones:

• 1956 (Hong Kong): Won the title in the tournament's inaugural edition, becoming the first-ever AFC Asian Cup champions
• 1960 (South Korea): Defended the title on home soil, securing back-to-back championships
• 1972 (Thailand): Reached the final, finishing as runners-up
• 1980 (Kuwait): Reached the final again, finishing as runners-up for a third time
• 1988 (Qatar): A fourth final appearance, but again without reclaiming the title
• 2015 (Australia): The closest chance yet to break the "curse" of no titles since 1960, but lost the final to host nation Australia in extra time
• 2027 (Saudi Arabia): An upcoming appearance, its 16th overall, in Group E alongside the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and the winner of the Lebanon vs. Yemen play-off

When was the South Korea national team founded?

The Korea Football Association was founded in 1933, and the national team joined FIFA in 1948 and the Asian Football Confederation in 1954.

How many times has South Korea won the AFC Asian Cup?

The Taeguk Warriors have won the Asian Cup title only twice, in the tournament's first two editions in 1956 and 1960, in addition to reaching the final four further times without winning the title since then.

How many times has South Korea participated in the World Cup?

The team has appeared in the World Cup finals 12 times to date, maintaining an unbroken run of qualification since 1986.

What is South Korea's best-ever World Cup result?

Its best result was a fourth-place finish at the 2002 tournament, which it co-hosted with Japan — still the best result achieved by any Asian nation in World Cup history to date.

Did South Korea qualify for the 2026 World Cup? What happened after its elimination?

Yes, the Taeguk Warriors qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals but exited at the group stage after being drawn into a group with Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia. That disappointing exit was followed by head coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation amid widespread criticism in South Korea.

Who currently leads the South Korea national team after Hong Myung-bo's resignation?

As of now, the Korea Football Association is still searching for a new head coach to succeed Hong Myung-bo, who resigned following the exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Which group will South Korea play in at the 2027 Asian Cup?

South Korea will play in Group E at the 2027 Asian Cup, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Yemen.