The general election takes place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday in 13,470 polling stations across the nation to pick 300 lawmakers. Some 246 are elected in their constituency and 54 by proportional representation. They will serve in the National Assembly for the next four years.

The results will also shape the presidential election in eight months. According to opinion polls, more than half those surveyed said they would cast their ballots in Wednesday's election taking the presidential election into consideration. Also at stake are major issues including the future of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, and economic and welfare policies.

Both ruling and opposition parties changed their names and leadership around 100 days before the general election and have been campaigning hard since. Many new controversies have cropped up since then, making it difficult for pundits to guess the results of the election.

Voters must bring proof of identity such as their resident registration card, passport or driver's license to the polling station.