South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo visited the disputed islets of Dokdo, which Japan also claims territorial sovereignty and calls Takeshima, in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) on Tuesday, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.

It was the first time that South Korean prime minister visits the islets in history.

Han paid the visit in protest to Japan's latest territorial claim to the islets, which has been under control of South Korea since 1953, Yonhap said.

Han, accompanied by the culture and transportation ministers, arrived at the islets around noon Tuesday for a one-day visit, Han's office said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2008)