Illustration of South Korea's economic growth showing Seoul's skyline with GDP growth indicators.
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South Korea economy expands 1.8 percent in first quarter

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Kiswahili

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.

The Bank of Korea said the first-quarter GDP figure was revised up 0.1 percentage point from an earlier estimate. On a yearly basis, the economy expanded 3.8 percent, the highest since the fourth quarter of 2021. Exports rose 5.9 percent from the prior quarter on strong global demand for semiconductors, machinery and automobiles. Facility investment grew 6.6 percent, the strongest pace in four years. Private consumption increased 0.6 percent while government spending fell 0.4 percent. The central bank raised its 2026 growth forecast to 2.6 percent and holds its next rate-setting meeting in July.

Watu wanasema nini

Initial reactions on X were mostly neutral, with financial accounts highlighting the upward revision of South Korea's Q1 GDP to 1.8% q/q (stronger than the 1.7% advance estimate) and 3.8% y/y. One detailed post broke down component revisions like consumption and investment. A longer analysis noted positive implications for economic momentum and investor confidence, with limited skeptical views observed.

Makala yanayohusiana

Seoul skyline billboard announcing 1.7% GDP surge in Q1 2026, with port exports and celebrating executives, illustrating South Korea's economic growth.
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South Korea GDP surges 1.7% in Q1 2026, fastest pace in over 5 years

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South Korea's real GDP jumped 1.7 percent in Q1 2026 from the prior quarter—the strongest growth in 5½ years—despite Middle East tensions, easily topping the Bank of Korea's 0.9 percent forecast on robust exports and steady domestic demand. Part of the rebound following 2025's modest 1% annual expansion (see prior article in series).

South Korea's industrial output, retail sales and facility investment rise in March

South Korea's industrial output, retail sales and facility investment all rose from a month earlier in March, official data showed on April 30. It marked the first time since September that all three indicators posted on-month growth. A ministry official said the Middle East crisis has not yet impacted the economy.

South Korea's February industrial output rises 2.5%, fastest in over 5 years

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South Korea's industrial output rose 2.5% in February from the previous month, the fastest growth in five years and eight months. Government data showed retail sales unchanged while facility investment jumped 13.5%. The Middle East crisis has had minimal impact so far.

Asia

ADB raises South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 1.9%

Asia

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Uchumi

India posts 7.8 percent GDP growth in March quarter

South Korea's exports jump 50.4% in first 20 days of March

South Korea's exports surged 50.4 percent year-on-year to $53.3 billion in the first 20 days of March, driven by strong semiconductor demand. Korea Customs Service data showed a trade surplus of $12.1 billion for the period.

South Korea's exports hit record high of $87.8 billion in May

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South Korea's exports jumped 53 percent from a year earlier to a record $87.8 billion in May, driven by the semiconductor supercycle.

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