South Koreans are voting in a presidential election, called early after a huge corruption scandal brought down their former leader.

Liberal Moon Jae-in is the strong favorite with centrist Ahn Cheol-soo his nearest challenger, reports the BBC.

Economic issues are a big concern for voters but the election could see a shift in policy towards North Korea.

Moon wants to increase contact with the North in contrast to impeached Park Geun-hye who cut almost all ties.

A record turnout is predicted, with numbers boosted by younger voters, as South Koreans choose from 13 candidates.

Polls close at 20:00 local time (11:00 GMT), with the winner expected to be announced soon after. The new leader is likely to be sworn-in on Wednesday.

Heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula in recent weeks have made the perennial worries over the South's volatile neighbor a key issue.

Moon, of the Democratic Party of Korea, has advocated greater dialogue with North Korea while maintaining pressure and sanctions.

Both he and Ahn have urged US President Donald Trump to cool his rhetoric towards the North after his administration suggested it could take military action over Pyongyang's weapons programme.

In March, Park Geun-hye became the first South Korean president to be removed from power by impeachment.

The 65-year-old Park, accused of allowing a close friend to extort money from companies, is spending election day in jail and South Korean media report she will not be casting a vote.

BDST: 1530 HRS, MAY 9, 2017
AP