Seoul, Dec 7 (IANS)

South Korean President Park Geun-hye Friday condoled the passing away of former South African President Nelson Mandela, describing him a "great statesman" who peacefully ended the apartheid that divided South Africa for a long time.

"I express my deepest condolences to the family and South African people on the passing away of former president Nelson Mandela," Xinhua reported citing Park in a statement.

Mandela's great contribution to the world peace will be remembered by people from South Africa and the world, she added.

Mandela visited South Korea twice in his life and met former presidents Kim Dae-jung and Kim Young-sam.

The 95-year-old Mandela passed away Thursday evening at his home in Johannesburg. The world-revered statesman spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid and led South Africa to a multi-racial democracy.