Korea's biggest contribution to the world of sports is Taekwondo. It is the most recognizable Korean sport and features some of the most beautiful moves in the world of martial arts. It has been said that while most martial arts can be compared to grasshoppers and bees, Taekwondo is more like a butterfly because of the grace involved in each move.

Cycling in Korea Cycling in Korea

But South Korea is slowly getting westernized in many aspects and that includes sports. Most South Koreans enjoy football and baseball. Some of their more traditional sports include bull fighting, wrestling and kite flying. Yes, kite flying is considered a sport for the most part of East Asia.

Football as South Korea's Most Popular Sport

For the average modern South Korean, football is king. According to recent surveys, a considerable number of South Koreans follow football. The national football team has become a source of immense pride, particularly after their historic 2002 World Cup performance.

“Before the 2002 World Cup, Korean fans had hoped that one day their national team would win a match at the tournament and would go through a group stage. The 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan was the sporting occasion where this dream of Korean football came true.”
— Dr. Lee, in What is the lasting legacy of the 2002 World Cup for South Korea?, Sky Sports

South Korea's World Cup Journey

South Korea's national football team reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2002 when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan. This remarkable achievement made them the first Asian Football Confederation member to reach the World Cup semi-finals, a record that still stands today.

The team has qualified for eleven consecutive World Cups from 1986 through 2022, establishing themselves as a consistent force in international football. During their 2002 run, they defeated Portugal, Italy, and Spain before eventually losing to Germany in the semi-finals. In the third-place playoff, Turkey defeated South Korea 3-2, with Turkey's Hakan Şükür scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history at just 10.8 seconds.

💡 Pro Tip: South Korea's passionate fanbase, known as the "Red Devils," was officially established in 1995 and became renowned for their vocal and choreographed displays of support during the 2002 World Cup.

Baseball and Other Popular Sports

Baseball is also one of the most popular sports in South Korea. They are as a matter of fact one of the best baseball teams competing on the international stage such as the World Baseball Classic. Other sports that have gained popularity in Korea include basketball, golf, and rugby union.

South Korea has also hosted various world sporting events most notably the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the 2002 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted with Japan), the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, and most recently the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon.

Golf in Korea Golf in Korea

Traditional Korean Sports

Popular Sports of South Korea

Traditional or Regional Sports

  • Taekwondo — a self defense discipline that originated in Korea
  • Jokgu — a Korean sport which resembles a mix of football and volleyball
  • Ssireum — a folk wrestling style and traditional national sport of Korea, with the aim to bring any part of the opponent's body above the knee to the ground

South Korea's Sporting Success

  • South Korea defeated United States 8–0 to win the first WBSC Premier12 title
  • Reached the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the best performance by an Asian nation
  • Qualified for eleven consecutive FIFA World Cups from 1986 to 2022

South Korea Sports Trivia

  • South Korea's football team was the first Asian Football Confederation member to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2002
  • South Korea participates in the East Asian Games
  • The 2002 World Cup semi-final run was coached by Dutch manager Guus Hiddink, who became a national hero and was granted honorary citizenship

South Korea at Major Events

Past Sporting Events Hosted in South Korea

Upcoming Sporting Events in South Korea

Annual Sporting Events Held in South Korea

  • Korean Golf Open

Sporting Facilities in South Korea

Other Resources