"As Vice President Pence's South Korean visit comes at a very sensitive time ... A clear message on joint efforts in terms of the South Korea-US alliance against North Korea will be sent out," Cho June-hyuck, spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press briefing.

"I expect a clear message would also be delivered on the issue of THAAD and other key issues," he said, referring to Seoul and Washington's efforts to dissuade China from retaliatory actions over the South Korean deployment of the US antimissile system.

"The forthcoming visit marks Pence's first trip to any Asian country since taking office," the spokesman said, adding that it will become a milestone in efforts to intensify the bilateral alliance and coordinate policies on core issues.  

During the visit, Pence is scheduled to hold talks with Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn and National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun and participate in a hearing with local business leaders.

He will also spend Easter Sunday with US and South Korean troops. (Yonhap)