Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol says a U.S. interest rate hike won't immediately lead to an increase in South Korea's benchmark rate.
 
At a forum with chiefs of economic research institutes on Wednesday, Lee said both international and domestic financial markets appear to be considerably stable following the rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
 
The governor, however, warned against lowering one's guard against the impact of the rate hike, saying that volatility in international fund flows and the exchange rate is expected to increase in the future.
 
Lee said internal and external economic uncertainties are expected to continue next year. He added that going forward, the central bank will consider both the macroeconomic situation and financial stability in managing monetary policy.