ASHGABAD, Turkmenistan — Kim Do-heon scored a hat-trick and South Korea beat Turkmenistan 3-1 today to secure a spot in the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying.

North Korea's 2-0 win over Jordan earlier Saturday had ensured both Korean states a spot in the next round of Asian qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. And now the Koreas are tied atop Group Three with 11 points after five games, with the South ahead on goal difference.

South Korea, which was playing without Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, was in control of the game at the Olympic stadium.

Kim Do-heon put the World Cup 2002 semifinalists in the lead in the 14th minute, hitting the target with a powerful drive from the right flank and into the far corner of the net.

Mamedaly Karadanov squandered the home side's only scoring opportunity before the interval, firing over the cross bar from close range in the 37th minute.

Guvanchmuhamed Ovekov equalized from the spot in the 81st minute after goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong fouled him in the penalty area.

Four minutes later, Kim Do-heon connected with a cross from the left to restore South Korea's one-goal cushion. The West Bromwich Albion midfielder then converted a penalty three minutes into stoppage time.

South Korea hosts the North in Seoul next week, while winless Turkmenistan travels to Jordan.