Outgoing President Lee Myung-bak said Sunday that he is proud that he had to opportunity to work for the great people of South Korea, as he ended his five-year term and arrived at his retirement home in southern Seoul.

"There were difficult times, but I was a happy worker," Lee told the roughly 1,300 people who greeted his arrival at his retirement home in Nonhyeon-dong after he left the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae for the last time as its executive chief.

"Thanks to you, I worked happily. I have firm conviction that the Republic of Korea is a great country and that its people are great people."

Lee, who visited the National Cemetery and held meetings with foreign officials earlier in the day, said he is happy to return to the Gangnam district neighborhood and said that he will spend a lot of time with his grandchildren.

The outgoing president also encouraged the spectators to be proud of the country that South Korea has become and he vowed to fulfill his role for the future of South Korea and humanity.

The crowd applauded and shouted Lee's name after he finished the 10-minute speech.

Among the attendees were ruling party lawmakers Lee Jae-oh and Joo Ho-young as well as Seoul's finance minister Bahk Jae-wan.

Former Cheong Wa Dae officials such as chief of staff Yim Tae-hee and senior political affairs aide Kim Hyo-jae also greeted Lee. (Yonhap News)