DHAKA: Pope Francis has landed in South Korea, beginning his first visit to Asia since he took over the papacy in March 2013.

During his trip, he will beatify Korean Catholics who died for their faith and attend a Catholic youth festival.

The South Korean Catholic Church is one of the fastest growing in the world, with just over 5.4 million members, some 10.4% of the population.

Shortly before the Pope arrived, North Korea fired three short-range rockets off its east coast.

The last rocket was launched 35 minutes before the Pope landed at Incheon airport.

Pyongyang has engaged in several such launches in recent months in what it says is a response to US and South Korean provocations - in the latest case, a military drill due to start on Monday.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1140 HRS, AUG 14, 2014