A trip to South Korea by Israeli President Shimon Peres that starts Tuesday has reportedly been downgraded from an official visit to a working-level visit.

Israeli media say South Korea was prompted to make the change due to international pressure amid criticism about Israel's recent attack on Gaza relief ships. They say Arab nations, in particular, pressured Seoul.

South Korea is known to have proposed delaying Peres' visit to Seoul, as protests denouncing Israel and compromising security are expected to occur during his stay.

Peres reportedly said he will go ahead with the scheduled visit even though the protocol has been downgraded.