US Vice President Mike Pence has embarked on a trip to the Asia-Pacific region that will include a visit to South Korea today amid a tense standoff along the Korean peninsula. Pence left Washington yesterday on what will be on a 10-day, four-nation trip that will also include stops in Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Hawaii. <br/><br/>It is the Vice President's first official trip to the Asia-Pacific rim, where he will meet with leaders to discuss trade, economic and security issues, including North Korea's provocative military actions. The Vice President will be tasked with reassuring South Korea and Japan the US will help prevent regional conflict by defending them in the face of North Korean aggression. While in South Korea, Pence will meet with Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and with local business leaders.