If your image of Asian men is "short," Korea is about to shatter that stereotype. Walk through the streets of Seoul, especially in trendy areas like Gangnam or Hongdae, and you will notice something surprising: a LOT of tall guys. We are talking 180 cm (5'11") and above  everywhere.

So, how tall are Korean men really? Let's break down the numbers, compare them globally, and explain why Korea has become the tallest "typical Asian" country in the world.

1. The Numbers: Average Height of Korean Men

Here are the real statistics:

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height
  • All Korean Men (Overall Average): 170–172 cm (5'7"–5'8")
  • Young Korean Men (Ages 20–30): 173–175 cm (5'8"–5'9")

Wait, that does not sound that tall, right? Here is where it gets interesting.

The overall average includes older generations (50s, 60s, 70s) who grew up during post-war poverty when nutrition was limited. The younger generation grew up with better food, healthcare, and  let's be honest  a LOT of milk and meat. The height gap between generations is dramatic.

2. The 180 cm (5'11") Club Is HUGE

This is the stat that surprises most foreigners:

Among Korean men in their 20s, nearly 30% are between 180–190 cm (5'11"–6'3").

Let that sink in. Almost 1 in 3 young Korean men you meet on the street is at least 180 cm (5'11") tall. That is a massive proportion.

  • 180 cm (5'11"): Very common. You will see them everywhere.
  • 183–185 cm (6'0"–6'1"): Still quite common. Not unusual at all.
  • 187–190 cm (6'2"–6'3"): Less common but you will spot a few daily.
  • 190 cm+ (6'3"+): Rare. These guys stand out even in Korea.

So while the average might say 173–175 cm (5'8"–5'9"), the distribution is heavily skewed toward taller heights among young Koreans. You are much more likely to encounter tall men than the average number suggests.

3. Tallest "Typical Asian" Country in the World

When we rank average male height across Asia, the results are clear:

  • 1st Place: Iran ~176 cm (5'9") average. Technically in Western Asia, and Iranians have a very different ethnic background (Persian, not East Asian).
  • 2nd Place: South Korea  ~174 cm (5'9") for young men. The tallest among "typical" East Asian countries.
  • 3rd Place: Japan  ~172 cm (5'8")
  • 4th Place: China  ~170 cm (5'7") (varies hugely by region Northern Chinese are much taller)

If we are talking about the stereotypical East Asian look (black hair, brown eyes, East Asian facial features), South Korea is #1 in height. Iran takes the overall Asian crown, but Iranians look very different from what most Westerners picture when they think "Asian."

This is why many tourists visiting Seoul for the first time say: "I did not expect Korean guys to be this tall!"

4. Why Are Young Koreans Getting Taller?

The height explosion in Korea over the past 30 years is remarkable. Here are the main reasons:

  • Nutrition Revolution: Korea went from a war-torn, rice-and-vegetables diet to one of the highest meat and dairy consumption rates in Asia. Korean BBQ is not just delicious  it is building taller humans.
  • Healthcare: Universal healthcare since 1989 means better prenatal care, childhood nutrition programs, and overall health.
  • Sleep and Exercise: Despite the intense study culture, Korean schools mandate physical education, and sports like basketball and swimming are popular.
  • Genetics Unlocked: Scientists believe Koreans always had the genetic potential for greater height, but poverty and malnutrition suppressed it for generations. Better living conditions simply "unlocked" what was already there.

5. Height Comparison: Korea vs. The World

How does Korea stack up against Western countries?

  • Netherlands (tallest in the world): ~183 cm (6'0") Still significantly taller than Korea.
  • USA: ~177 cm (5'10") About 2–3 cm (1") taller than young Korean average.
  • UK: ~176 cm (5'9") Very close to young Korean men.
  • South Korea (young men): ~174 cm (5'9")  Closing the gap fast!
  • Japan: ~172 cm (5'8")
  • Philippines: ~164 cm (5'5")

The gap between Korean men and Western men is shrinking rapidly. At this rate, the next generation of Korean men might reach the Western European average.

6. The K-Pop and K-Drama Effect

There is another reason why Korean men seem even taller: K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors are usually VERY tall.

  • Lee Min-ho: 187 cm (6'2")
  • Park Seo-joon: 185 cm (6'1")
  • BTS RM: 181 cm (5'11")
  • Cha Eun-woo: 183 cm (6'0")

Korean entertainment companies actively select for height (among other traits), which creates an impression that ALL Korean men are tall. The reality is more nuanced, but the tall population is genuinely large  it is not just a TV illusion.

7. What About Korean Women?

For reference, the average height of young Korean women is about 161–163 cm (5'3"–5'4"), which is also above the Asian average. Korean couples often have a noticeable height difference, which is considered attractive in Korean culture.

Conclusion: Expect to Look Up

If you are visiting Korea and you are under 175 cm (5'9"), be prepared: you might feel shorter than usual, especially in Seoul. The young generation of Korean men is tall, well-dressed, and thanks to their skincare routines looking sharp while towering over you.

Korea is no longer the "short Asian country" stereotype. With nearly 30% of young men standing at 180 cm (5'11") or above, it is one of the tallest nations in Asia and rapidly closing the gap with the West.

Next time someone says "Asian men are short," just show them the streets of Gangnam. Case closed.