South Korea's GDP rises 1% in Q3, outpacing Bank of Korea forecast
South Korea's economy expanded by 1% in the July-September period, driven by robust exports and investment, according to Bank of Korea data.
Bank of Korea statistics reveal that South Korea's real gross domestic product grew 1% in the July-September window, marking an acceleration from the 0.6% expansion recorded in the preceding quarter. This performance surpassed the central bank's August forecast of 0.3% growth. The increase was fueled primarily by vigorous export activity and renewed investment spending.
The report also notes that the nation recorded a 1% growth rate in 2025, even as facility investment remained weak and the construction sector contracted. Earlier in 2026, the first quarter posted a 1.8% rise, the strongest quarterly gain since the third quarter of 2020, when growth reached 2.2%, driven by global demand for semiconductors linked to the AI infrastructure boom.
Why it matters
The data signals a healthier South Korean economy, influencing investors and policymakers worldwide.
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