Nadeshiko Japan failed to retain the Asian Games title as Norio Sasaki's side was beaten 3-1 by a tenacious North Korean team in the final on Wednesday.
Kim Yun-mi, Ra Un-sim and Ho Un-byol struck for North Korea, which outhustled and outmuscled the world and Asian champions over the 90 minutes. Captain Aya Miyama pulled one back for Japan in the second half.
Host South Korea defeated Vietnam 3-0 earlier for bronze.