Luis Romo's 50th-minute strike made all the difference for the co-host, after a crucial error from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

It was a quiet first half, to say the least, with the only shot on target coming in the 20th minute as Julian Quinones saw his header from the edge of the six-yard box comfortably saved.

Mexico fired an early warning shot to start the second half as Jesus Gallardo found the side-netting from a tight angle, and the opener came soon after.

After Raul Jimenez's header from Quinones's cross was blocked into the air, Kim Seung-gyu spilled his attempted catch after colliding with team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Romo to volley into an unguarded net.

Jimenez went close to adding a second, once again being found in the box by Quinones, but the Wolves frontman saw his effort from a tight angle smothered promptly.

South Korea struggled to create many clear-cut chances after going behind, but were denied in the 87th minute by a stunning double save from Raul Rangel, who kept out Cho Gue-sung's header before reacting to stop Yang Hyun-jun's hooked shot.