The South Korea national under-23 football team (Korean: 대한민국 23세 이하 축구 국가대표팀; recognized as Korea Republic by FIFA, and Republic of Korea by IOC) represents South Korea at football in the Olympic Games and Asian Games. It was founded when the Olympic football was changed to an under-23 competition. It also can be managed as an under-21 or under-22 team if necessary.
Contents
History
London Generation
Under manager Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean under-23 team participated at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In the group stage, South Korea qualified for the quarter-finals as runners-up of their group by beating Switzerland 2–1 and drawing with Mexico and Gabon in two goalless matches. In the quarter-finals, South Korea met hosts Great Britain. South Korean forward Ji Dong-won scored the opening goal, but British midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored a penalty equaliser. Ramsey once again had a penalty chance four minutes after his penalty goal, but South Korea's over-aged goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong blocked it. However, Jung was injured in a collision with Micah Richards in the middle of the second half, and was replaced by Lee Bum-young. Nevertheless, Lee did not concede a goal until the end of extra time, and made a save from the shot of Britain's fifth kicker Daniel Sturridge in the penalty shoot-out. South Korea beat Great Britain 5–4 on penalties and Lee was praised by finishing the game successfully, but the compliments turned to criticisms after the semi-finals. He conceded three goals against Brazil, failing to perform his role. After being eliminated by a 3–0 loss to Brazil, South Korea competed with their historical rival Japan for a bronze medal. Their over-aged striker Park Chu-young scored the opening goal with a solo effort against three Japanese defenders, and Koo Ja-cheol scored an additional goal, a decisive one for the victory. South Korea won their first-ever medal in Olympic football after defeating Japan 2–0, and the medalists were exempted from mandatory military service according to the laws of the country. They were called the "London Generation" in South Korea, and most of them played for the senior team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated after finishing last in their group.
Recent results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win0
Draw0
Loss0
Fixture
All-time results
As of 9 June 2026
Coaching staff
Current personnel
As of 10 August 2026
U23
U21
Manager history
As of 9 June 2026
Caretaker manager
Players
Current U23 squad
The following players were called up for the 2026 Asian Games.
Recent U23 call-ups
The following players have also been called up to a South Korea under-23 squad within the last 12 months.
Current U21 squad
The following players were called up for the Cheonan Korea Football Park training camp in August 2026.
Recent U21 call-ups
The following players have also been called up to a South Korea under-21 squad within the last 12 months.
Overage players
Football at the Summer Olympics and the Asian Games have required that under-23 players enter the competitions, but they have allowed three overage players can be included in one squad. These three players are called the "Wild cards" in South Korea. According to South Korean laws, Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists can be exempted from the military service, and so top-level players also compete for wild cards.
Records
Statistics below are from matches which the KFA consider as official including non-international matches (against clubs, regional teams, and other KFA teams).
Most appearances
As of 20 July 2026
Top goalscorers
As of 20 July 2026
Competitive record
Champions0
Runners-up0
Third place0
Tournament played on home soil
Summer Olympics
Football at the Summer Olympics was a senior tournament until 1988.
Asian Games
Football at the Asian Games was a senior tournament until 1998.
Head-to-head record
The following table shows South Korea under-23s' head-to-head record against each foreign national team, as of 9 June 2026.
Honours
Intercontinental
Summer Olympics
Bronze medalists: 2012
Continental
AFC U-23 Asian Cup
Champions: 2020
Runners-up: 2016
Asian Games
Gold medalists: 2014, 2018, 2022
Bronze medalists: 2002, 2010
Regional
WAFF U-23 Championship
Champions: 2024
Friendly competitions
Dunhill Cup Vietnam: 1999
Four Nations Tournament: 2000 (Australia), 2003 (South Africa)
Qatar International Friendship Tournament: 2005, 2023
King's Cup: 2012, 2015
Panda Cup: 2025
Awards
AFC National Team of the Year: 2012
AFC U-23 Asian Cup Fair Play Award: 2013, 2026