China on Monday suffered a 3-0 defeat to South Korea in the opening match of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship.

The hosts displayed a stellar performance in Yongin despite missing key European-based players such as Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain.

The five-time champions opened the scoring after just eight minutes with their first shot attempt, as midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong found the top-left corner with a magnificent left-footed curve from outside the box.

South Korea continued to create chances and doubled the lead 13 minutes later when left-back Lee Tae-seok set up Joo Min-kyu for an easy header.

Defender Kim Ju-sung scored the third 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a rebound from Park Seung-wook’s header off a corner.

China created a few chances but couldn't break through, including Wei Shihao’s freekick that sailed narrowly over the bar.

Hong Kong, China take on defending champions Japan in the tournament's next match on Tuesday.

The four teams play a round-robin format, with the winners determined by points.