Lee's foray as a professional footballer began with the Suwon Samsung Bluewings as a draftee, and he spent two seasons with the club without ever featuring in the K-League before departing for single season spells with Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i and Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma.
Despite spending six years at K-League clubs, Lee had still to establish himself as a first team regular, accumulating a mere 24 games in the K-League, with a few matches in Cup competitions.
He finally was able to consider himself as a regular starter in Daegu's side for the 2003 season, playing 22 matches in the K-League.
By this time Chinese Super League side Sichuan Guancheng was showing interest in Lee's services, and he subsequently signed with the club for the 2004 season.
After retiring as a player at the conclusion of the 2005 K-League season, Lee took up a coaching position with FC MB.