Kalu Uche opened the scoring for the African team in the 12th minute and almost doubled his side's lead shortly after the half-hour mark but his powerful strike smashed off the near post.

Lee Jung-soo equalised in the 38th minute and then Park Chu-young's free-kick early in the second half turned the match on its head.

Korea shot themselves in the foot when substitute Kim Nam-il brought down Chinedu Obasi inside the area midway through the second half. Ayegbeni Yakubu, having missed the easiest of tap-ins seconds earlier, made amends by restoring parity from the penalty spot.

The outcome sealed second spot in the group for Korea and a second-round match against Uruguay on Saturday in Port Elizabeth.

"It was a difficult game and I am very happy that we have reached the next stage of the competition," said Huh.

"During the match we conceded the first goal and we thought that then Nigeria struck the post.

"But our players managed to maintain their cool and equalise.

"When we were leading the game, we allowed the penalty which we should have avoided.

"Those were the critical moments."

Huh had reason to be delighted as for the first time on foreign soil, Korea progressed to the last 16 of a World Cup with four points of a possible nine in Group B.

"The merit goes to the players and to the coaching staff, not to me," he said.

"The players and the staff really became one and worked together very hard to get our goal of reaching this stage.

"I am very proud of my players.

"They were not intimidated and they played to their full potential.

"I am very pleased."

Nigeria, meanwhile ended the tournament having claimed just one point from their three matches.

The Super Eagles coach Lars Lagerback rued his team's missed chances against South Korea.

The African side wasted a hatful of opportunities in the second half to seal a win that would have seen them progress to the next round.

Yakubu missed the easiest of tap-ins in the second half while substitute Obafemi Martins also fired wide from close range.

"I feel very disappointed and sad," said Lagerback.

"I'm disappointed with the chances.

"I think we started really well and we made a little mistake that led to Korea equalising.

"But it's results that counts and we must congratulate South Korea."

Lagerback nevertheless praised his players.

"The players have done really well," he said.

"They have trained well and had a good attitude throughout the tournament.

"I'm very impressed by the professional approach.

"We wanted to qualify for the second round but it wasn't enough, we weren't good enough."