Bank of Korea

South Korea's business sentiment worsened in June for the first time in three months, driven by sluggish construction and travel sectors, a central bank survey showed Thursday.

June 08, 2026 Reported by AI

The Bank of Korea reported on June 9 that real GDP rose 1.8 percent in the first quarter from the previous quarter. This marks the fastest quarterly growth in more than five years.

South Korea's Bank of Korea unanimously kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5 percent on April 10, marking the seventh consecutive hold since July 2025 amid high uncertainty from the Middle East war, which has fueled inflation risks, growth slowdowns, and won weakness. Governor Rhee Chang-yong noted the won could strengthen quickly if tensions ease. The next policy meeting is May 28.

April 07, 2026 Reported by AI

South Korea recorded its largest-ever monthly current account surplus of $23.19 billion in February, according to Bank of Korea data. The figure was driven by a semiconductor upcycle and robust exports. It sharply exceeded January's $13.26 billion and surpassed the previous record of $18.7 billion set in December 2025.

Major financial institutions have raised their 2026 inflation forecasts for South Korea, citing the continued weakness of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar. According to Bloomberg's compilation from 37 institutions, the median projection stands at 2 percent, up 0.1 percentage point from 1.9 percent at the end of last month. The Bank of Korea has also warned that consumer inflation could reach the mid-2 percent range if the domestic currency remains weak.

December 11, 2025 Reported by AI

Import prices rose at the fastest pace in 19 months in November due to a weaker Korean won, despite falling global oil prices, according to Bank of Korea data. The index increased 2.6 percent from the previous month. This development could influence production costs and consumer prices.