By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

The government has put about 13,000 police officers and soldiers in place to ensure tight security during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit, officials said Wednesday.

Police beefed up surveillance around the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul and U.S. military bases nationwide, amid fears that anti-war activists may stage rallies there to protest the government's plan to send more civilian reconstruction workers accompanied by security troops to Afghanistan.

The troop dispatch is expected to be on the agenda at today's summit between President Lee Myung-bak and Obama at Cheong Wa Dae. The U.S. President arrived in Seoul Wednesday night.

Following the summit, Obama will visit a U.S. base near Seoul to encourage soldiers stationed here.

"South Korean and U.S.soldiers will be on high alert around-the-clock to safeguard Obama from potential threats until he leaves Thursday afternoon," an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on condition of anonymity.

"The 13,000 personnel on standby is the largest number ever mobilized for the security of a foreign guest."

The presidential office is also preparing various events to build on the friendship between the two allies, Cheong Wa Dae said.

President Lee will present Obama with the credential for taekwondo black belt holders, a taekwondo suit, a black belt and two English-language books on traditional Korean culture and food.

Obama reportedly practiced the Korean martial art for four years in early 2000s when he was the senator of Illinois.

Michelle Obama is not coming to Korea this time, but first lady Kim Yoon-ok will send her cookbooks on traditional Korean cuisine.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr