SEOUL - South Korean Coast Guard on Tuesday released two Chinese fishing boats detained three days ago, Chinese diplomats said, adding that the boats will leave for home on Wednesday.

The two fishing boats, with 20 crew members on board, were seized on Saturday due to illegal operation in South Korea's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They were later taken to Mokpo Port on the western coast of the country.

The Chinese diplomats said the two fishing boats and all crew members were released earlier in the day after they paid a fine.

The boats were scheduled to return home on Tuesday, but the trip has been postponed to Wednesday due to the bad weather, the diplomats said.