Anti-US protesters scuffled with police outside the South Korean military airport where US President Mr George Bush arrived today.
"Bush is the axis of evil," read a placard at the demonstration on the southern outskirts of Seoul, referring to Mr Bush's description of North Korea as part of an "axis of evil".
Anti-US protesters said the "axis of evil" remark had heightened tension on the Korean peninsula. However, the turnout at scattered protests today was small, and the police presence near the US embassy and other sites was heavy.
Hours earlier, hundreds of South Korean war veterans waved US and South Korean flags in a welcome for Mr Bush, whose schedule included talks with President Mr Kim Dae-jung and a trip to the border with North Korea. Mr Bush will leave for China on Thursday.
The 700 veterans, some wearing military uniforms, praised Mr Bush's condemnation of the North and said the presence of 37,000 US troops in South Korea was an essential deterrent against the communist country.
"North Korea is a country that can launch war against South Korea at any time," said Mr Suh Jung-hun, a 54-year-old demonstrator. "Therefore, our people should not be complacent".
Yesterday, anti-US students charged into an office of the American Chamber of Commerce in Seoul and occupied it for several hours until police moved them. There were no injuries, but some property was damaged.
AP