Collection: South Korea World Cup Soccer Cards
South Korea sports cards are headlined by Son Heung-min, one of Asia’s most popular players. His rookie cards are some of the most valuable Asian player cards, especially autographs and parallels. Collectors also target World Cup cards and memorabilia patches featuring South Korea’s national team.
The South Korea national football team, known as the Taegeuk Warriors, has built a proud and influential legacy in FIFA World Cup history, standing as the most successful Asian side in the competition with appearances marked by resilience, passion, and historic breakthroughs. South Korea made its World Cup debut in 1954, but it was not until decades later that the nation began to consistently qualify, becoming a fixture at every tournament since 1986. The defining moment in their history came as co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup, when South Korea, under coach Guus Hiddink, shocked the world with a run to the semifinals, the best-ever performance by an Asian team. Inspired by captain Hong Myung-bo, forward Ahn Jung-hwan, and midfielder Park Ji-sung, South Korea defeated European powers Portugal, Italy, and Spain in a dramatic run before falling to Germany in the semifinal, ultimately finishing fourth. This extraordinary achievement ignited a footballing boom in the country. In subsequent tournaments, South Korea remained competitive, with memorable moments such as their 2010 World Cup performance in South Africa, where goals from Lee Chung-yong and Park Ji-sung helped the team reach the Round of 16 before bowing out to Uruguay. In 2018 in Russia, South Korea produced another unforgettable moment by defeating reigning champions Germany 2–0 in the group stage, with goals from Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min, knocking the Germans out and reaffirming their reputation as giant-killers. Most recently, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, South Korea advanced to the Round of 16 with dramatic late goals from Son and Hwang Hee-chan, before being eliminated by Brazil. With a legacy defined by tireless work ethic, passionate fans, and world-class talents like Son, Park Ji-sung, and Cha Bum-kun, South Korea continues to set the standard for Asian football on the global stage.
Favorite South Korea FIFA World Cup Soccer Legends
Park Ji-sung | Son Heung-min | Lee Young-pyo | Ahn Jung-hwan | Kim Ji-woon | Choi Yong-soo | Lee Dong-gook | Hwang Hee-chan | Koo Ja-cheol | Hong Myung-bo