''It is a disappointing result obviously,'' Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said.
''A pleasing last phase of play and a couple of good opportunities right at the end. But we gave away two soft goals, and you can't do that against a side like Korea and expect to get the results.''
South Korea had more possession in the first half and it was Yoo Jin Hong who scored from a field goal in the 14th minute. The Black Sticks had a chance to equalise through a penalty corner just before halftime, but it was cleared well by the defence.
In a disappointing start to the second half for the Black Sticks, South Korea's highest-capped player, Mi Hyun Park, scored a soft goal in the 36th minute. The home side got back in the match when Canterbury's Pippa Hayward passed to Stacey Michelsen, who was waiting in the circle, and then fellow Northlander Charlotte Harrison tapped in.
The tempo of the game picked up dramatically in the fourth quarter. South Korea's Da Rae Kim scored twice and then Canterbury's Sian Fremaux made it 4-2 when she received a pass in the middle of the circle and hit it low to the keeper's left. With five minutes left on the clock, the Black Sticks were awarded a penalty corner and it took shots from several players before Michelsen made it count.
The Black Sticks did all they could to equalise in the last couple of minutes, but South Korea hung on to claim the win. Although the conditions were perfect for the Black Sticks game, it was a drizzly evening during the first half of the earlier Argentina-United States match. Both teams took a while before they hit their straps and it was not until the 16th minute that Giselle Juarez (21) scored a field goal for Argentina.
In the second half, Delfina Merino scored from a penalty corner variation early on. Throughout the rest of the half, a string of penalty corners was awarded to Argentina, and eventually it was captain Macarena Rodriguez who converted in the 56th minute.
In today's games, South Korea plays the US and New Zealand faces Argentina. All games are being played in Whangarei.
South Korea 4 (Yoo Jin Hong, Mi Hyun Park, Da Rae Kim 2), New Zealand 3 (Charlotte Harrison, Sian Fremaux, Stacey Michelsen). Halftime: 1-0.
Argentina 3 (Giselle Juarez, Delfina Merino, Macarena Rodriguez), US 0. Halftime: 1-0.
