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South Korean protesters battled riot police at a rally opposing the resumption of American beef imports, hours after the United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vouched for the health of US cattle.
"I want to assure everyone that American beef is safe," she said.
About 15,000 people - some wielding steel pipes and hurling stones at police - staged a street demonstration in Seoul, demanding the Government withdraw its decision to lift a ban on US beef imports.
The clash left several hundred protesters and riot police injured, according to local media reports.
Activists have staged daily rallies on the streets of the capital to voice fears about the possible health risks of US beef, such as mad cow disease.
