From Seoul’s packed stadiums to rainy away nights in friendly matches, South Korea’s national team has seen legends carved into its history. Among those legends, one record looms large: most appearances for South Korea national team. As of September 2025, that title is shared — but the drama is far, and what may come next in the race for Korea’s most-capped player.
The Record Holders: Three Legends at 136 Caps
As of September 2025, there is a three-way tie at the summit of South Korea’s all-time appearances list: Cha Bum-kun, Hong Myung-bo, and Son Heung-min all have 136 caps for the men’s national team.
| Player | Caps | International Goals | International Career | Role | Notes |
| Cha Bum-kun | 136 | 58 | 1972–1986 | Striker | Korea’s all-time top scorer, icon of the 1970s–80s |
| Hong Myung-bo | 136 | 10 | 1990–2002 | Defender / sweeper | Led defense across four World Cups |
| Son Heung-min | 136 (ctive) | 53 | 2010–present | Forward / captain | Continues to climb, likely sole record holder soon |
Cha Bum-kun: The Pioneer
Cha Bum-kun remains a towering name in Korean football. He was the first Korean to conquer Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s, shining in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. His tally of 58 goals in 136 appearances still makes him the nation’s record scorer — a testament to his longevity and finishing ability.
He played in an era when international fixtures were fewer, so gathering 136 caps then was a monstrous feat. His name is etched deep into Korean footballing consciousness.
Hong Myung-bo: The Defensive Maestro
Hong Myung-bo’s reputation transcends his 136 caps. Playing mostly as a sweeper or centre-back, he led South Korea’s defense during the golden period of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is the only Asian to be awarded the FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball (2002), and he captained Korea during their shock run to the semi-finals on home soil.
After retiring, Hong transitioned into coaching and eventually became the manager of South Korea. That dual legacy — as top defender and national team boss — is rare indeed.
Son Heung-min: The Modern Star
Son Heung-min is, for many fans today, the face of Korean football. With incredible pace, finishing, and two-footed ability, he has become a global star through his exploits in Europe and now MLS.
In September 2025, Son earned his 136th cap in a friendly against Mexico, entering the three-way tie for the most appearances for South Korea national team. Because he is still active, he has the opportunity to break away and hold the record outright.
As of latest data, Son has scored 53 international goals in his 136 caps.
How They Reached Those Numbers
1. Longevity and Consistency
For all three players, occupying the top spot required long careers. Cha played internationally across 14–15 years, Hong over 12 years, Son’s career is already spanning 15+ years. Steady selection, fitness, and trust.
2. Era and Match Volume
The number of international fixtures per year has risen in modern times (more friendlies, qualifiers, tournaments). Son benefits.
3. Versatility and Role Importance
Hong Myung-bo, as a defender, was rarely rotated. His tactical importance made him a fixture under many coaches. Cha, as a scoring forward, was always needed. Son, with his attacking versatility, continues to provide value in many formations.
4. Avoidance of Major Injuries
All three managed relatively injury-free stretches that allowed them to accumulate caps without long gaps. That factor is underrated in reaching such records.
Other Notable Appearances Records
Just below the top three:
- Lee Woon-jae: 133 caps as a goalkeeper spanning 1994–2010.
- Lee Young-pyo: 127 caps, a consistent full-back in the 2000s.
- Ki Sung-yueng: 110 caps (2008–2019), midfield mainstay.
These names reflect an elite group of players to reach triple-digit caps for South Korea.
The Race Ahead: Who Will Break the Tie?
With all three leaders at 136 caps, the most interesting question is: who will end up holding the most appearances for South Korea national team alone?
- Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo, being retired, hold their joint position securely.
- Son Heung-min, still active, has chances to play many more matches in upcoming qualifiers, friendlies, and tournaments.
- If selected consistently and staying fit, Son is the most likely candidate to climb solo to first place.
Many media outlets have reported that Son’s 136th cap against Mexico placed him in a tie, with expectations he will exceed it.
At the same time, national team coaches sometimes rotate the squad. Whether Son will feature regularly in future matches could influence whether he retains chances to expand his tally.
Why This Record Matters
Beyond mere numbers, holding the most appearances for South Korea national team is symbolic:
- It reflects enduring trust.
- It demonstrates fitness, form, and adaptability over years.
- It ties a player eternally to national identity and history.
- For fans, it’s a point of pride — showing who has given their life to wearing the Taegeuk crest.
Son is already a national icon; acquiring this record would deepen his legacy even further.
Final Thoughts
Most appearances for South Korea national team is no longer just a statistical footnote — it’s a living contest between past legends and an active star. Cha Bum-kun, Hong Myung-bo, and Son Heung-min now share the record at 136 caps. But as Son continues to play, he offers himself a chance to claim that crown alone.
IndiGoal will monitor every cap, goal, and selection. Will Son break away and stand alone at the summit? Only time will tell — but for now, three legends hold the mark together, bound by passion, service, and national pride.
