SEOUL -- South Korea plans to place surface-to-air missiles near stadiums during the World Cup finals to thwart any attacks from the air, a Defense Ministry official said on Tuesday.

The official told Reuters fighter jets would also be used to protect stadiums during the month-long tournament, which kicks off in Seoul on May 31. Co-host Japan holds the final match on June 30 in Yokohama.

Trucks equipped to detect biochemicals would also be positioned near stadiums in case of possible biochemical attacks, the official said.

South Korea has been staging anti-terror drills for months at World Cup stadiums, during which troops descend on ropes from hovering helicopters ready to meet any emergency, Reuters reported.

Military helicopters could been seen slowly circling the stadium in Suwon near the capital Seoul on Sunday during a friendly between world champions France and South Korea.

Football fans at Sunday's game stood in long lines as security staff checked bags and personal effects.

A detailed handout listing items not allowed into the match included hammers.