Police have released an outspoken priest arrested during a protest against the building of a controversial naval base on a popular resort island.

Retired Father Bartholomew Mun Jung-hyun was arrested on August 25 and charged with interfering with the duties of a public official after trying to prevent three other men, protesting against the construction of the base on Jeju island, from being taken to a police station.

The three protesters were arrested earlier after they had tried to block construction work on the base near Gangjeong, a small fishing village.

Police said Saturday they released Fr Mun on Friday night.