South Korea took the lead in the 25th minute when #9 Seol Ki-Hyeon evaded the defence and struck the ball under the body of diving keeper Joe Didulica.
The Australians had their best opportunity one minute from half-time, when Mile Sterjovski hit a superb cross to his Sydney United team-mate Jacob Burns, who's shot richoted off the cross-bar.
The rain and lightening show which had started with the opening whistle turned into a torrential downpour as the players made their way onto the field for the second half, referee Mark Shield expressing concern for the safety of the players five minutes into the resumption, and consulting with the two Coaches, before allowing play to continue.
Two minutes later the South Koreans had an opportunity to extend their lead, Lee Dong Gook brought down in the penalty area but unable to convert the chance, thanks to a great stop from the diving Didulica.
The conditions continued to deteriorate, with the ball alternately skidding and stopping, but for the most part, the South Koreans seemed to handle the slippery surface better.
The final blow for Australia came in the final minute of play when Sebastian Sinozic attempted to clear the ball, and instead lobbed Didulica to record an own-goal.