South Koreans are voting in a presidential election, called early after a huge corruption scandal brought down their former leader.
A liberal, Moon Jae-in, is the strong favourite with centrist Ahn Cheol-soo his nearest challenger.
If Mr Moon wins, the South will likely change course on North Korea, with the candidate wanting to increase contact with the rogue regime.
But corruption and the economy are greater concerns for domestic voters.
A record turnout is predicted, with numbers boosted by younger voters, as South Koreans choose from 13 candidates.
In March, Ms Park Geun-hye became the first South Korean president to be removed from power by impeachment.
She is spending election day in jail and South Korean media report she will not be casting a vote.
The 65-year-old is accused of allowing a close friend to extort money from companies.
She denies wrongdoing – although she has repeatedly apologised – and is standing trial on charges of bribery and abuse of power.
Huge crowds had protested against her, fuelled by anger over inequality and the perceived privilege of South Korea’s elite.
-BBC
