South Korea Wednesday congratulated US President-elect Barack Obama on his election victory, calling it a reflection of Americans` hope for change.

`The government evaluates Obama`s election as a result of the American people`s support for new changes and hope,` said a statement from the preidential palace.

It said President Lee Myung-bak sent a message congratulating Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden, `and expressing hope for further development of bilateral relations between South Korea and the US.`

The United States is South Korea`s most important ally and has 28,500 troops stationed in the country, many of them eyeing the tense border with North Korea.