South Korea stunned Costa Rica with a straight-set victory in the opener of the women's volleyball World Championship here on Tuesday.

It took South Korea only one hour to seal off the Pool A match against Costa Rica, who are playing their first world championship, with 25-16, 25-15 and 25-17.

Bae Yoo-Na made 16 kills to lead South Korea while Han Song-Yi scored 13 points with 11 kills. Hwang Youn-Joo added 11 points.

Willis Verania had 10 points for Costa Rica, who are ranked 33rd in the world, the lowest of all 24 teams taking part, and Cope Karen had 9.

The match started two hours before other three groups due to the opening ceremony at 4 pm.