The former Chunnam Dragons and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma frontman followed up after compatriot Alexandro saw his shot saved by Yoo Hyun in the Gangwon goal after just 12 minutes to open the scoring.

Pohang continued to pile on the pressure and Hwang Jin-sung headed home a corner from close range just before the hour mark to double the advantage.

Mota, who joined from Brazilian outfit Ceara in the summer, sealed the win in style with eight minutes remaining as the Brazilian chested down a punched clearance from the goalkeeper just outside the area before volleying into the top corner.

And the former Sporting Lisbon striker completed his hat-trick with a minute remaining as unbeaten Pohang moved up to third place with seven points from the opening three games of the fledgling season.

Mota said of his hat-trick: "It is not an easy thing to do. Most important is the fact that we won so I am very happy."