Manager: Huh Jung-Moo
Best: Fourth (2002)
South Korea shocked the world in 2002 when, on home turf, they defied the odds to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, proving that a team willing to run harder and surpass the tactical discipline of more gifted opponents could carry the day in tournament soccer. Coach Huh Jung-Moo may set more modest expectations this time (nor does he possess the acumen of 2002 coach Guus Hiddink), but the European experience of some of his key players Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung, Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong and Monaco's Park Chu-Young mean they're no pushover.
Player to watch: Lee Chung-Yong. The attacking threat posed by the Bolton winger has impressed some of England's top teams this past season, and the World Cup will be the perfect showcase for his talents.