Retired road racing cyclist Lance Armstrong is visiting South Korea.

The American cyclist who won the Tour de France seven straight times from 1999 to 2005 arrived in the nation Friday for a four-day stay.

He was invited to Korea for the Hyundai Capital Invitational Tour de Korea, the largest cycle race in Asia, which opens Saturday.

A survivor of testicular cancer, Armstrong told reporters shortly after arriving at Incheon International Airport that he hopes for a successful race and that he plans to give hope to cancer patients in Korea during his visit.

Armstrong is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Tour de Korea and take part in various charity events for cancer patients.