South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Friday said upholding the rule of law is crucial for tackling a series of national challenges and achieving sustainable innovation for the country.

During her speech marking Police Day, Park also warned against illegal walkouts, unapproved street rallies and online rumor-mongering, which she cited as examples of disregard for the rule of law.

"When the rule of law collapses, the socially vulnerable people are the first to suffer," Park said.

"In a society that allows disorder, there will be no development, no hope and no future," she added, calling on the police to strictly carry out their law-enforcement activities to entrench a climate for honoring the rule of law.

Touching on a series of economic and security challenges, the president asked police officials to help forge a fresh momentum to overcome these challenges by securing public safety. The chief executive also stressed the role of police in fending off potential terrorist attacks, including those from North Korea.

"Police need to play a greater role in responding to the newly emerging threats of terrorism and large-scale disasters," she said.

"North Korea's reckless provocations and threats persist, and terrorism occurs all across the world regardless of places and targets," she added. 

The president, then, stressed the importance of a prompt response to natural disasters such as earthquakes.

"What is the most crucial in responding to unexpected terrorism or disasters is a prompt, appropriate and initial response," she said.

The chief executive also pledged to spare no efforts to boost police's morale by enhancing their working conditions. (Yonhap)