Protest called for Bush's visit to Seoul

South Korean activists said yesterday they planned a large candlelight rally to protest US President George W. Bush's visit today and demand the two countries scrap a widely criticized beef import deal.

Bush's trip is likely to be his last as president to East Asia before going to Bangkok and then Beijing to attend the 2008 Olympics.

"We oppose the visit by Bush who sells US beef with its risk of mad cow disease that threatens the health and lives of the public," a coalition of activist groups said in a statement.