U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is urging South Korea to play a larger role in world affairs.

The United Nations chief arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for his first visit to his homeland since being elected to a second five-year term. He will meet with President Lee Myung-bak and other top officials, and visit his rural hometown of Eumseong.

Mr. Ban said on arriving at Seoul's Gimpo Airport that he wants to discuss how South Korea can turn its newfound prosperity and development to the benefit of the rest of the world. He said he will urge the country to play a greater role in global affairs.

Mr. Ban also noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of South Korea's admission as a full voting member of the United Nations.

While in South Korea, Mr. Ban will deliver a series of speeches to local diplomats, university students and business leaders. He will also attend the opening of a photo exhibition highlighting the plight of the world's most impoverished people.