He played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Australia, scoring the equalizing goal.
A training injury to his knee ended his playing career.
His first managerial post was at his alma mater, Joongdong High School.
Ko Jae-wook joined Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso as coach in 1984, and was appointed manager in 1989.
In his second season (1996), Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i won the K-League title.