As reported by FourFourTwo on Wednesday, the 26-year-old has opted to leave Portugal after managing only one five-minute appearance since joining Pacos Ferreira on a two-year deal in May.

McGowan has joined Gangwon on a one-year loan deal, with the option of a further two years.

An unidentified Korean club had in early 2016 shown interest in the ex-Adelaide United man, who opted instead to move to Portugal where game-time hasn’t been forthcoming.

At the time of his move to Portugal, McGowan had been called into the Socceroos squad for the first time, making his debut against Brazil and being part of the Confederations Cup squad.

The defender has fallen out of the national team frame since struggling for game-time in Portugal, but the move is motivated by regaining his Socceroos spot with a view to the 2018 World Cup.

Gangwon finished sixth in the K-League Classic in 2017, the club’s best-ever top flight finish.