1. Early Life and Education
Seo Ki-bok's early life included his academic pursuits alongside his burgeoning football talent. He attended and graduated from Yonsei University in 2000. Immediately after his graduation, he embarked on his professional football career by fulfilling his military service requirement.
2. Playing Career
Seo Ki-bok's playing career spanned several years, featuring significant involvement at both the club and international youth levels, marked by appearances in major tournaments and a notable goal.
2.1. Club Career
Upon graduating from Yonsei University in 2000, Seo Ki-bok immediately joined Sangmu, the military football team, for his mandatory military service. He played for Sangmu from 2001 to 2002. After completing his service, he signed with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2003. However, his tenure at Jeonbuk was brief and he did not make a significant impact. In the summer transfer window of 2004, he was part of a trade deal with Incheon United, exchanging for Lim Jong-cheon. Seo then played for Incheon United from 2004 until his retirement in 2007.
2.2. International Career
Seo Ki-bok represented South Korea at the youth national team level in two editions of the FIFA World Youth Championship. He participated in the 1997 tournament and again in the 1999 tournament, where he notably scored a goal against the Mali national football team. In the 1999 championship, he played alongside future prominent South Korean footballers like Seol Ki-hyeon and Lee Dong-gook. Seo also made his senior A-match debut for the South Korea national football team in a friendly match against the China in 1998. Later that year, he was part of the South Korea national under-23 football team that competed in the men's football tournament at the 1998 Asian Games, where the team finished third in Group A.
3. Retirement from Playing
Seo Ki-bok concluded his professional football playing career in 2007 at the age of 26. This relatively early retirement from the sport marked the end of his active playing days.
4. Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Seo Ki-bok transitioned into a coaching role, dedicating himself to youth football development. He began his coaching career by managing the Incheon United's U-12 team. Subsequently, he moved to Incheon Daegun High School before joining Bupyeong High School as a coach. In 2013, he was promoted to the position of manager for the Bupyeong High School football team, a role he continues to hold.
5. Legacy and Assessment
Seo Ki-bok's career in South Korean football, encompassing both his playing and coaching contributions, reflects a dedication to the sport across different capacities. As a player, he was recognized for his midfield presence and his participation in multiple youth World Cups, showcasing his talent at an early age alongside future national team stars. His professional club career included stints with notable K League teams, although his impact was more pronounced at the youth international level. His decision to retire at a young age allowed him to pivot to coaching, where he has since focused on nurturing young talent, particularly at the high school level. His long-standing commitment to developing youth players, especially as manager of Bupyeong High School, underscores his continued influence on the future of South Korean football.