South Korea forward Ji Dong-won has returned to German club Augsburg from Sunderland on a permanent basis, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Ji, 22, previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Augsburg in the second half of last season, scoring five goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances.

"Striker Ji Dong-won has joined Bundesliga side Augsburg on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee," Sunderland said in a statement.

Ji arrived at the Stadium of Light from K-League side Chunnam Dragons in June 2011, after impressing then Sunderland manager Steve Bruce while playing for South Korea at the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

He scored twice in his debut campaign, including an injury-time winner against future champions Manchester City on New Year's Day 2012, but was unable to hold down a first-team place.