With only two victories in 15 games all season, Pohang had slipped to 13th in the table and just two points off the bottom, but a third goal in three games from Seol Ki-hyeon sent them on their way against their title-chasing opponents.

The former Fulham and Reading forward converted a Mota cross after just six minutes and Brazilian striker Almir then fired home from outside the area.

"This is the start of our season," caretaker coach Park Chang-hyun said.

"Last season we won eight consecutive games at the end and took second. It is not too late to do something similar."

Seongnam coach Shin Tae-yong lamented his team's lack of a cutting edge.

"Pohang took their chances and we didn't. It was a hot night and our concentration suffered but we fought well," he said.

Jeonbuk Motors moved level on points with leaders Jeju United after defeating FC Seoul 1-0 to leapfrog the visitors into second place.

Brazilian playmaker Eninho got the only goal of the game early in the second half, running onto a smart pass from Luiz Henrique to nudge the ball past Kim Yong-dae.

Seoul finished the match with nine men as Server Djeparov and Kim Tae-yoon both saw red late on.

Elsewhere, Gyeongnam FC won 2-1 at Busan I'Park.