Diehard 'Red Devil' fans lined the streets of Seoul yesterday for a ticker-tape parade by the South Korea squad whose spirited fourth-place finish at the World Cup set new standards for soccer in Asia.

The Seoul thoroughfare that millions of euphoric fans turned into a sea of red jerseys during the tournament took centre stage again as President Kim Dae-jung presented medals to the squad and coaches.

Rock bands set the stage for the send-off to a football squad that captured hearts far beyond South Korea with their fast, fearless brand of football during the World Cup, which ended on Sunday.

Police said about 50,000 fans gathered in front of the historic Kwanghwamoon gate to greet a motorcade carrying Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, his staff and 23 players.

"You made such a big impression worldwide," Hiddink told the supporters. "The way you supported (us), the behaviour in and around the stadiums was terrific," he said, adding his trademark fist pump, seen after each of South Korea's goals, to the roar of the crowd.

President Kim personally pinned the country's top Order of Sport Merit medal on Hiddink's lapel and also presented medals to his coaching staff and squad.

Kim, dubbed South Korea's cheerleader-in-chief during the tournament, also presented Hiddink with honorary citizenship for his contribution to South Korean football.

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