The two sides don't meet until their final pool game in Sydney but the Taeguck Ladies showed on the Gold Coast they have plenty of attacking weaponry to challenge the Matildas, who won their first match 1-0 against the Philippines on Sunday.
Iran played Monday night's clash amidst turmoil in their homeland due to the bombing by the United States and Israel. The Lionesses have bravely begun their campaign despite uncertainty over the safety of loved ones back home.
There was an incident in the first half when supporters were flying multiple flags of Imperial Iran, the official flag before the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
A security officer was seen approaching them and the flags went down until they returned just before fulltime. The fans were shouting slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran.
The match started with wave after wave of South Korean attacks but Iran were resolute and there mostly seemed to be a desperate boot in the way to block shots.
South Korea spurned many chances but Choe Yuri made sure they took a deserved 1-0 lead into the break with a well-taken goal in the 37th minute.
The 31-year-old scored her 14th international goal after a pass that threaded the needle from legend Ji Soyun. Jang Selgi's shot hit the post but Choe, who was a constant threat, was alert enough to slot the rebound.
South Korea entered the match as the world No.21 and highly favoured against the Iranians, 47 placings further back on the FIFA rankings.
That gap in class came to the fore in the second half. Veteran Kim Hyeri scored from the penalty spot in the 59th minute and then delivered a free kick for captain Ko Yoo Jin to score her first international goal.
Iran had two great chances in the second half, the best when substitute Fatemeh Pasandideh made brilliant run after slick work in midfield. Her shot was strong but straight into the goalkeeper's arms.
South Korea started with plenty of attacking flair. Choe let rip with her right foot only for Iran goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei to dive full length to her left in a wonderful save.
Yektaei pumped her fist in jubilation to give her teammates a lift after the early pressure.
Iran coach Marziyeh Jafaribaravati said her team were looking forward to the sold-out clash with Australia at the same venue on Thursday night.
"I know we have a tough game ahead," she said.
"In my opinion playing a tough match is enjoyable because the players can get so much experience for their future."
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