A Korean man has threatened to blow up the Australian embassy in Seoul following a controversial disqualification in the Winter Olympics.

In the final of the women's 3,000-metre relay speed skating event in Vancouver, Australian judge James Hewish disqualified the South Korean team, which finished first.

As a result they were denied the gold medal, which went to arch-rivals China.

Korean outrage at the decision led a man to threaten to blow up the Australian embassy in Seoul.

The man, known only as Mr Kim, was arrested after South Korean police traced his telephone.

Major Korean internet news website Joins.com reported the embassy was searched for 40 minutes and five staff were evacuated.

Australian officials described the threat as a hoax but said "Korean authorities responded very quickly and it was resolved".

A similar decision by Hewish to disqualify a Korean skater in 2002 prompted thousands of angry emails to the International Olympic Committee.

But Hewish said it was "business as usual" and he would be back at the Pacific Coliseum to officiate on Friday.

"As far as we're concerned there was no controversy," Hewish said, not wanting to be drawn any further on the specifics of the incident.

"The Koreans are a bit upset but, you know, that's understandable I guess."

Hewish said he had no concerns for his safety but had not read website reports and blogs, with some in South Korea calling for him to stand down and others even suggesting a ban on importing Australian goods.

Joins.com reported that Kim came from Gunpo, the same town as Korean Kim Min Jung, the skater who crossed the line first to seemingly win her country gold.

No stranger to controversy

At the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, Hewish created an even bigger firestorm when he disqualified Kim Dong-sung in the men's 1500m event.

That decision, which saw American Apolo Anton Ohno snatch the gold, sparked a diplomatic row, the Koreans threatening to take legal action and boycott the Salt Lake City closing ceremony.

Hewish received a lashing in South Korea and his address and personal details were placed on the internet.

While South Korean officials were initially more restrained this time around, the situation appeared to escalate on Thursday with skater Kim Min-Jung demanding a re-run of the women's relay final.

"I want a rematch. We all went and watched the race again and again last night and I still couldn't accept the result," the skater said.

"I couldn't sleep last night.

"I don't think I made any mistakes in the race."

The Korean team, who have lost the relay to China for two consecutive world championships, were aiming for a record fifth straight women's title in any Winter Olympic sport.

Despite the rising tension, Hewish said he did not expect the International Skating Union (ISU) to be knocking on his door for a please explain.

"The ISU haven't been in contact with me and as far as we can work out there is no reason for the ISU to contact me because it's a straight-forward decision," he said.