S. Korea Leader Greeted on Arrival by Friends and Foes

South Korean President Roh Tae Woo arrived Sunday for an unprecedented meeting with Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev designed to promote normal diplomatic relations and trade.

Some 200 people, both supporters and opponents of the visit, staged a noisy demonstration outside the Fairmont Hotel after Roh was safely inside. “They’re noisy, but nothing violent,” said a police dispatcher who would not give her name.

Roh’s plane, flying U.S. and South Korean flags from a hatch above the flight deck, was greeted by several hundred people, including San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos, former Secretary of State George P. Shultz and Korean Ambassador Hyun Hong Choo.

Under a brilliant blue sky, Roh was handed a bouquet of flowers by 8-year-old Diane Lieu, a San Francisco youngster clad in a Korean costume of red and gold.

“I’m delighted to see this taking place,” Shultz said just before the plane landed. “From the standpoint of the United States, we have a great interest in peace and stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region.”

The city declared Sunday to be Roh Tae Woo Day, and Agnos was expected to present Roh with the key to the city.

The meeting between Roh and the Soviet president would be the first time leaders of their countries have met since the Republic of Korea was created 45 years ago. Korean officials expect them to meet about 4 p.m. today, when there is a 90-minute gap in Gorbachev’s crowded 22-hour San Francisco schedule.