Two goals each from Krunoslav Lovrek and Lee Dong-gook moved Jeonbuk to sixth.

Jeonbuk went ahead after 27 minutes. Luiz Henrique's left-sided cross was helped on by a Daegu defender into the path of Lovrek, who struck a low half-volley into the far corner.

The Croatian headed home a second six minutes after the break from a fine Choi Tae-wook cross and with 15 minutes remaining Lee Dong-gook fired a rebound into the net after Henrique's low shot came back off the post. Shortly before the final whistle, the former Middlesbrough striker added a second when he lobbed the Daegu goalkeeper.

"It was the first game for a long time," said Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee after the match.

"We have been training hard, however, and the players knew the importance of today's game, which is why we recorded a big win. We now have to try and maintain this kind of form over the next few months."

In the weekend's other match, Asian Champions League holders Pohang Steelers were held to a 1-1 draw by Chunnam Dragons.

Both goals came in the space of three second-half minutes.

Pohang broke the deadlock just before the hour. A Kim Jae-sung corner found its way to Lee Jin-ho who fed Kim Hyong-il to fire home.

But shortly afterwards, Adrian Chuva crossed for Chi Dong-won to equalise.