"The government has decided to act in a more pre-emptive manner in response to the heightened macroeconomic uncertainties, " said Choi Sang-mok, director general at the ministry.

BBC: South Korea lowers growth forecast as exports slow

Friday's move came after North Korea recently threatened a pre-emptive nuclear attack on South Korea and the United States in response to stepped-up U.N.

CNN: U.S. to beef up missile defense against North Korea, Iran

The move comes after North Korea recently threatened a pre-emptive nuclear attack on South Korea and the United States in response to stepped-up U.N.

CNN: U.S. to beef up missile defense against North Korea, Iran