Samantha Kerr gave Australia the lead from the penalty spot with a powerfully dispatched effort, before South Korea drew level through a beautifully curling free kick.

But if the Aussies needed to be sprung back into action after a bright start, the Koreans equaliser provided all the motivation required.

The Matildas went ahead on the 36rd minute after Lisa De Vanna latched onto a rebounded shot from Tameka Butt - the one touch build-up play and explosive pace of Ante Milcic's side simply sensational.

Kerr doubled the advantage within 10 minutes when her lob on the stroke of half-time was parried into the net and the rampant Matildas got the result they deserved when Emily Gienik scored from a Roberto Carlos-esque angle to make it 4-1.

"Before I came on, the coach has full confidence in me, he said 'Be free'," Gielnik said.

"Might as well back myself and obviously I'm pretty happy I scored. I feel like I've had a very solid season in the W-League, I've got a long way to go to be a great player and Ante (Milicic) has been excellent.

"Training is fantastic, we're coming on leaps and bounds."

Wrapping up a brilliant night for not only the Matildas but Australian football, which needs its superstars fit and firing after a "shaky" few months, was the return to international football for former Matildas stalwart Laura Alleway.

"It's massive for my confidence," Alleway said.

"I can't remember the last 90 international minutes that I've played, it's a step towards the World Cup.

"After a shaky time there I think we've all gelled together. He's got us going in the right direction, our new playing style is playing the ball, it's attacking, we're loving it."