The Hockeyroos have been beaten by Korea 4-2 in the opening match of their four-match series.

The world No.8 Koreans opened up the scoring with a field goal in the fifth minute through Kim Jong Eun, before Emily Smith scored an equaliser in the 12th minute.

Despite Perth’s 38-degree heat, Tuesday’s match was played at a frenetic pace.

Korea scored again in the opening minutes of the second half, before the Hockeyroos pulled together an outstanding six-minute burst to secure three penalty corners, with the third securing an equaliser through Casey Eastham in the 46th minute.

The Koreans took the lead after a field goal to Cheon Eun Bi in the 52nd minute, then three minutes later Kim Jong Eun scored again.

Hockeyroos head coach Adam Commens said: “It was a solid performance for 50 minutes and there were periods during the game where we were great.

“If you’re not at 100 per cent against teams like Korea, they find a way to hurt you.”

In an earlier match, Australia A defeated Korean club team Korea Telecom 4-1.

Game two against Korea is on Wednesday at Shenton Park.

Australia A play the curtain raiser against Korea Telecom.