Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon says wealth inequality remains a challenge, even though he is certain South Korea’s per capita gross domestic product(GDP) will reach 30-thousand dollars next year.

Kim told reporters Friday he will work to bring about tangible changes in South Koreans’ quality of life, including housing, employment and health, to match the 30-thousand-dollar per capita GDP level.

He pointed out that this year's economic growth was in the three percent range for the first time since 2014.

He said the government has succeeded in building a strong basis for growth while managing risk factors such as the threat of North Korea.