AN incredible opening ceremony in Seoul has kicked-off the 2002 World Cup.

In the 64,000 seater capacity stadium fans watched a blend of traditional Korean costume and dance mix with hi-tech computers and laser shows.

In one fo the most eagerly anticipated finals hundreds of dancers lined up on the field in front of a capacity crowd in Seoul as the national anthems of co-hosts South Korea and Japan were played.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter, controversially re-elected this week, received a mixed reception from the crowd, with an element of the crowd heckling him with derisory whistles.

"The players will present to the whole world, the football drama of joy and passion in a spirit of fair play," he said.

Both the Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi and the Korean president Kim Dae-Jung addressed the crowd, the latter speaking of the great honour of hosting the tournament.

The massed ranks of dancers, dressed colourfully to symbolise the philosophy of yin and yang then performed a spectacular, intricately choreographed dance to traditional Korean music.

Korean drummers then joined the performance as the spectacle - which has been practised for three years by the dancers and musicians - became more energetic.

The show, which cost an estimated £5.5m to stage, then transformed into a kaleidoscopic celebration of Korea's technological innovation.

Finally, hundreds of children joined in the party, releasing white balloons as they joined in with an upbeat celebration song.