The Bank of Korea published advance estimates showing real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.0% in the third quarter of 2026 from the previous quarter, up from 0.6% in the second quarter. Investment and exports expanded, while private consumption contracted. Growth compared with a year earlier slowed to 3.4% from 3.7%. Private consumption fell 0.2%, reflecting lower spending on both goods and services. Government consumption increased 1.9%, with higher expenditure on goods and health care benefits. Facilities investment rose 4.1%, mainly reflecting increased investment in machinery, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Exports increased 2.3%, mainly on higher shipments of semiconductors and machinery and electrical equipment. Imports rose 2.4%, reflecting increases in crude oil and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Manufacturing output expanded 2.0%, led by computer, electronic and optical products and machinery and equipment, while services grew 0.2%. Real gross domestic income increased 3.4% from the previous quarter.
Bank of Korea reports quarterly GDP growth accelerating to 1.0% in third quarter of 2026
The Bank of Korea's advance estimates put real GDP growth at 1.0% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter, accelerating from 0.6% in the second quarter. Facilities investment rose 4.1% and exports increased 2.3%, while private consumption fell 0.2%. Growth from a year earlier eased to 3.4% from 3.7%.