Best Korean Soccer Players of All Time: Icons Who Elevated Korean Football
South Korea has produced some of the best Korean soccer players of all time, showcasing talent that stands out across Asia and beyond. From prolific goal-scorers to elite defenders, these players have excelled both domestically and internationally, making a lasting impact on the game and the global football stage. The best Korean soccer players of all time have not only influenced their national team but have also gained recognition in top leagues worldwide.
10. Hwang Sun-hong (1988-2002)
Position: Striker
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
Teams: Pohang Steelers, Cerezo Osaka, Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Kashiwa Reysol
Hwang Sun-hong was one of South Korea’s most prolific goal scorers and a key figure in the national team’s rise during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his clinical finishing and intelligent positioning, Hwang had an illustrious club career both in South Korea and Japan.
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He played a crucial role in South Korea’s run to the semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the group stage and providing invaluable leadership on the field.
Hwang’s goal-scoring ability and consistency made him a legend in Korean football, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the sport in the country.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 4x K League Top Scorer
- Scored 50 goals for the South Korean national team
9. Ahn Jung-hwan (1997-2012)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 172 lbs
Teams: Perugia, Yokohama F. Marinos, MSV Duisburg, Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Ahn Jung-hwan became a household name during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he famously scored the golden goal against Italy in the Round of 16, knocking them out of the tournament. Known for his flair, agility, and ability to score in crucial moments, Ahn had a solid club career across Europe and Asia.
His time in Serie A with Perugia was cut short after his World Cup heroics, but he remains one of South Korea’s most beloved players for his impact on the international stage.
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Ahn’s performances during the 2002 World Cup, particularly the Italy match, have solidified his status as a national hero in South Korean football.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Scorer of the golden goal against Italy in the 2002 World Cup
- Played in three consecutive FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010)
8. Lee Young-pyo (1999-2016)
Position: Left-back
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 159 lbs
Teams: PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Vancouver Whitecaps
Lee Young-pyo was one of South Korea’s best defenders, known for his pace, tactical intelligence, and ability to join the attack. Lee was a vital part of South Korea’s historic 2002 World Cup run, and his performances earned him moves to top European clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lee’s versatility allowed him to play as both a left-back and a right-back, and he became known for his solid defending and contributions going forward.
His long career at the highest levels of club football, both in Europe and North America, has cemented his legacy as one of Korea’s all-time greats.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Played in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010)
- Won two Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven
- South Korean Footballer of the Year (2004, 2011)
7. Kim Joo-sung (1985-1999)
Position: Midfielder/Winger
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 160 lbs
Teams: Daewoo Royals
Kim Joo-sung was one of South Korea’s most iconic players in the late 1980s and 1990s. Known for his speed, dribbling ability, and versatility, Kim played as both a midfielder and winger, often terrorizing defenses with his quick bursts and accurate crossing.
He won three consecutive Asian Footballer of the Year awards, which solidified his status as one of the best Asian players of his era.
Kim’s leadership and skill made him an integral part of the South Korean national team for over a decade, and he played in three FIFA World Cups.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 3x Asian Footballer of the Year (1989, 1990, 1991)
- Played in three FIFA World Cups (1986, 1990, 1994)
- K League Champion (1997)
6. Ki Sung-yueng (2006-2021)
Position: Midfielder
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 173 lbs
Teams: Celtic, Swansea City, Sunderland, Newcastle United
Ki Sung-yueng was a midfield maestro known for his vision, passing range, and composure on the ball. Ki had a successful career in Europe, spending over a decade in the Scottish Premier League and the English Premier League.
He was a key figure for South Korea’s national team, helping guide the team to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, where they finished as runners-up.
Ki’s leadership and technical ability made him a standout player in both club and international football, and his contributions to South Korean football are significant.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2012 Scottish Premier League Champion with Celtic
- Captained South Korea to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final
- Played in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018)
5. Lee Dong-gook (1998-2020)
Position: Striker
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 183 lbs
Teams: Pohang Steelers, Middlesbrough, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Lee Dong-gook is one of South Korea’s most prolific goal scorers, both at the club and international levels. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box, Lee scored over 200 goals in the K League and became the league’s all-time leading scorer.
While his time in Europe with Middlesbrough was brief, he enjoyed incredible success back home, particularly with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, where he won multiple league titles and the AFC Champions League twice.
Despite missing out on some international tournaments due to injuries, Lee’s consistency and longevity made him a legend in South Korean football.
Notable Accomplishments:
- K League all-time top scorer (228 goals)
- 4x K League MVP
- 2x AFC Champions League Winner (2006, 2016)
- 105 caps and 33 goals for South Korea
4. Hong Myung-bo (1990-2002)
Position: Sweeper/Center-back
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 176 lbs
Teams: Pohang Steelers, Los Angeles Galaxy
Hong Myung-bo is one of South Korea’s greatest defenders and captained the national team to its historic semifinal finish in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Known for his excellent positioning, leadership, and calmness under pressure, Hong was the backbone of South Korea’s defense for over a decade.
He played in four consecutive World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002), a record for a South Korean player.
His stellar performances in the 2002 World Cup earned him the Bronze Ball as the third-best player of the tournament, a rare achievement for a defender. After retiring from international play, Hong transitioned into coaching and remains a key figure in Korean football.
Notable Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball Winner (2002)
- 4x FIFA World Cup participant (1990-2002)
- Olympic Bronze Medalist as head coach (2012)
- 135 caps for South Korea
3. Park Ji-sung (2000-2014)
Position: Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 159 lbs
Teams: PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers
Park Ji-sung is arguably the most successful South Korean player to have played in Europe. Known for his tireless work ethic, versatility, and ability to perform in big games, Park became a fan favorite at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his time at United, Park won four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2008. His ability to seamlessly adapt to multiple midfield roles made him a key player in Ferguson’s squad.
At the international level, Park was equally vital, helping South Korea reach the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and scoring important goals in three consecutive World Cups. Park’s success in Europe paved the way for other Korean players to make their mark on the global stage.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 4x Premier League Champion
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2008)
- Played in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010)
- First Asian player to captain a UEFA Champions League team
2. Cha Bum-kun (1971-1989)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 176 lbs
Teams: Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen
Cha Bum-kun is regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time and was a trailblazer for Korean players in Europe. Known for his explosive pace, strength, and goal-scoring ability, Cha became a legend in the Bundesliga, where he scored over 98 goals in Germany’s top division.
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Cha’s success in Europe, winning two UEFA Cups with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, made him the first South Korean player to achieve significant international acclaim.
He was known for his consistency and professionalism, traits that made him a feared striker during his time in Europe. Cha’s legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he later became a successful manager and remained an iconic figure in Korean football.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x UEFA Cup Winner (1980, 1988)
- 98 goals in the Bundesliga
- Named Asia’s Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (1999)
- 136 caps and 58 goals for South Korea
1. Son Heung-min (2010-Present)
Position: Forward/Winger
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 165 lbs
Teams: Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-min is South Korea’s most successful footballer of the modern era and one of the top forwards in world football. Known for his pace, technical ability, and lethal finishing, Son has been a standout player in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
He consistently ranks among the top scorers in England’s top division, and in 2020-2021, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, sharing the award with Mohamed Salah.
At the international level, Son has been a crucial player for South Korea, leading them to victory in the 2018 Asian Games and earning a spot in the prestigious FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2021.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Premier League Golden Boot Winner (2021-2022)
- Over 100 Premier League goals
- Led South Korea to an Asian Games Gold Medal (2018)
- FIFA FIFPro World XI Nominee (2021)
