The death toll has risen to nine after a car hit pedestrians near Seoul city hall with four others injured, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The driver was driving in the wrong direction and collided with two vehicles before hitting people, Yonhap reported, citing the police. 

The driver, a man in his 60s, was apprehended at the scene. He is said to be claiming that the car suddenly accelerated.

An investigation was launched into the incident.

(With input from agencies)