President Park Geun-hye begins South America tour

South Korea' President Park Geun-hye has arrived in Colombia on the first leg of a four-nation trip to South America to help boost South Korea's ties with the "continent of opportunities." The visit underscored Park's efforts to build confidence with her counterparts from Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil to expand cooperation with the emerging markets.

The combined gross domestic product of the four countries stood at US$3.1 trillion, about half that of 33 South and Central American countries.

Seoul said large-scale projects meant to modernize infrastructure on the continent could offer new business opportunities to South Korean builders.

In Colombia, Park is set to meet with her counterpart, Juan Manuel Santos, to discuss ways to strengthen their strategic partnership.

South Korea said the trip could help facilitate the ratification of its free trade deal with Colombia.

Park will then fly to Lima on Saturday for a four-day visit that will include a meeting with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala.

The trip will also take Park to Chile and Brazil for separate talks with her counterparts on deepening bilateral relations.