Seoul - South Korea has for the first time set a target for the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions in the run up to the UN climate conference in Copenhagen, the government said on Tuesday.

The fourth-largest economy in Asia plans to reduce its emissions by 30 per cent from the predicted level of 2020.

That figure represents a reduction of 4 per cent from its 2005 figure, the President's Office in Seoul said after a cabinet meeting under the leadership of President Lee Myung Bak.

Lee was quoted as saying that South Korea's voluntary commitment would spur the international community to address with the issue responsibly, although there are doubts about the success of the summit in Copenhagen.

The president said South Korea's commitment in the fight against climate change would involve a "short-term burden" but would later bring greater advantages.

It will be a chance to raise the status of our country," he said.

South Korea is among the 10 countries with the largest carbon dioxide emissions.

The country is not obliged to reduce its emissions according to current UN climate protection agreements.

Last year, Lee announced a strategy of green growth as a new vision for the long-term development of South Korea.

It includes increasing the share of renewable energy from its current level of 2 per cent of the total to 11 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2050.

The Copenhagen climate conference is due to reach a deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. (IANS)