Both sides are now level on points at the top of the group, but the Austrians sit in first spot thanks to a superior goal difference.

The damage for the Koreans, who were leading the group before the clash, was done in the first period as they fell 3-0 down at the Palace of Sports in the Ukrainian capital city.

Lukas Haudum scored an unassisted goal to open the scoring in the 13^th minute before Brian Lebler quickly added a second.

Dominque Heinrich made it 3-0 with just over three-and-a-half minutes left in the first.

Proceedings did not improve in the second for the Koreans as Konstantin Komarek made it 4-0 just five minutes after the restart.

The scoring was completed by Steven Strong halfway through the third period.

In the day’s other match, Poland saw off the challenge of Hungary with a 2-0 win.

Both goals came in the second period with Krzysztof Zapala getting the opener before Tomasz Malasinski doubled the advantage.

Action continues tomorrow with games with the final round of matches in the group.

With the top two gaining qualification to the 2018 IIHF World Championships, Austria could still be overtaken if they lose to Poland, who would earn promotion instead.

A win for Korea against hosts Ukraine will see them progress, while Kazakhstan, currently third in the table, could qualify if they beat Hungary and other results go their way.

Games will also be taking place in Group IB in Belfast.