Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol predicts the South Korean economy will continue to grow at its potential growth rate of about three percent next year fueled by brisk global trade.

He also said inflation is expected to approach the target of two percent.

He said South Korea achieved three-percent economic growth this year, despite unexpected risks such as North Korea tensions, the rise of protectionism, and political uncertainties over presidential impeachment.

Lee commended domestic exporters, noting that South Korea posted the sharpest export growth among major exporting nations this year.