"We need to remember his accomplishments that led to the prosperity under which we live," an official from the advocate group said in a speech.

A packed gathering of protesters staged a rally against the statue further down the pavement, saying that "an enemy officer who betrayed and fought against his own people will never be a subject of commemoration, if he is not punished." The anti-Park group also urged the Seoul Metropolitan Government not to approve the installation.

Eighty police officers were dispatched to the site to guard against any aggravation between the groups.

Park's 18-year dictatorship, which ended with his assassination in 1979, still draws a stark divide in ideological debates. While conservatives support his legacy, which, they say, has helped the country's fast economic growth, liberals denounce him as a strongman who had no scruples about ruthlessly cracking down on his political opponents and infringing people's basic rights.

Park is the father of ousted President Park Geun-hye, currently detained and standing trial over a massive influence-peddling scandal.

The foundation said it will formally request approval from the Seoul city government for the statue's installation. The statue is now stored in Goyang, north of Seoul, it said but didn't give further details for fear of damage to the statue if its location were known.

The President Park Chung Hee Memorial Foundation was set up in 2012 with a state subsidy of 20 billion won (US$17.8 million) on land owned by the Seoul city government. (Yonhap)