SEOUL, May 28 : The Bank of Korea kept its policy interest rate steady on Thursday, as it weighs geopolitical risks against a weakening won and resurgent inflation that point to higher rates ahead.

The seven-member monetary policy board at the central bank voted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50 per cent, as expected by 30 of 32 economists polled by Reuters. The two outliers forecast a rate rise.

Governor Shin Hyun Song will hold a press conference at 0210 GMT.