South Korea national football team

The South Korea national football team has been Asia's most successful national team since they made their debut at the 1948 Summer Olympics. From World Cup performances, Olympics, Asian Cups to continental youth championships, South Korea has undoubtably achieved the most out of Asia.

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Korea, in ancient times, had a ball game called chuk-guk very similar in form to contemporary football. However, Koreans first saw the present version of football in 1882 when British crew members played a game while their vessel was visiting the Incheon Port.

Related Topics:
Chuk-guk - Incheon

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In 1921, the first All Korea Football Tournament was held, and then in 1928, The Korea Football Association was organized, which created a foundation to disseminate and develop football in Korea.

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During the decades of colonial rule by Japan, football contributed to alleviating the frustrations of the subjugated Koreans and fostering the hope of liberation.

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The Korea Football Association was reinstated in 1948, following the establishment of the Republic of Korea. The KFA became a member of FIFA, the international football governing body, in 1948. The KFA joined the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) in 1954.

Related Topics:
Korea Football Association - FIFA - AFC

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Since the 1960's, Korea emerged as a major football power in Asia, winning several prestigious Asian football championships, such as the first two tournaments Asian Cup. The Korean national team played in the World Cup finals for six consecutive from 1986, for a total of seven World Cups. The Korean professional football league was launched in 1983 as the first ever professional football league in Asia. This not only pleased domestic fans, but it has also upgraded the level of the Korean football. Until this day, the K-League teams, like Suwon Samsung Bluewings, have achieved the most success in the continental club competitions.

Related Topics:
Asian Cup - Korean professional football league - Suwon Samsung Bluewings

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The 2002 FIFA World Cup is a sign of the rapid progress made in Korean football. Indeed, Korea's co-hosting of the event with Japan is the result of the Korean people's passion for and interest in football. Led by Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the national side astonished the world by dismissing traditional power Italy and advancing to the semi-finals, a first for Asian football. This achievement was the outcome of big support and endeavor from all the Korean people who love football so much. The enthusiasm of the red-clad supporters, the "red devils", also made a big impression on viewers. Now Korean football stands at the starting line of a new era.

Related Topics:
2002 FIFA World Cup - Dutch - Guus Hiddink - Italy - Red devils

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On June 8, 2005, they qualified for their seventh World Cup by beating Kuwait 4-0 in Kuwait City.

Related Topics:
June 8 - 2005 - Kuwait - Kuwait City

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