SEOUL, July 2 (AFP) – South Korea airports began testing full-body scanners to screen passengers, despite complaints from the state human rights watchdog that they violate personal privacy.

Six full-body scanners made by UK or US companies have been installed at four international airports at Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju, the transport ministry said.

"Airports will start using them probably in late July after a monthlong test operation and education," said a ministry official in charge of airport security.

On Wednesday the National Human Rights Commission urged the ministry to cancel its plan to introduce the scanners, fearing they might violate privacy as they can generate images of the entire body.

The images can be leaked and used improperly, the watchdog said, citing a case in which a UK airport official used the scanner to take pictures of his female colleague.

The ministry official, however, insisted South Korean airports wouldn't give up what he called an effective way of preventing terrorism.