Hundreds of South Koreans bid their last farewells to former parliamentary speaker Lee Man-sup at a funeral ceremony at the National Assembly.

Nearly 500 people, including lawmakers and Lee's bereaved family members, attended the ceremony held inside the parliament building due to the cold weather.

Lee, who served twice as the parliamentary speaker in the early 1990s and 2000s, died of respiratory failure at Severance Hospital in western Seoul on Monday. He was 83.

A graduate of Yonsei University, Lee worked as a reporter for the daily Dong-a Ilbo before entering politics in 1963. He left politics in 2004.

The journalist-turned-politician first served as speaker in 1993, when he replaced Park Jyun-kyu, who was involved in a land speculation scandal.

The eight-term lawmaker, who was notably outspoken against authoritarian governments, served as a parliamentary speaker during the 16th National Assembly from 2000-2002.

Lee is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. (Yonhap)