South Korea plans to frontload up to 12 trillion won (US$9.8 billion) more from its budget during the third quarter of 2009 in pursuit of an earlier economic recovery, high-level official at the finance ministry said Wednesday.

According to ice Finance Minister Lee Yong-gul, the South Korean government will tap its budget originally planned for the fourth quarter, using around 12 trillion won (US$9.8 billion) for the July-September period.

The move is part of the government's efforts to boost the economy as it shows signs of a recovery thanks to fiscal spending and other stimulus measures.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)