Revised Q1 2026 GDP grew 1.8% quarter‑on‑quarter, up from the 1.7% estimate released in April.
Annualised growth for the quarter was revised to 3.8% year‑on‑year, previously estimated at 3.6%.
The upgrade was driven primarily by strong exports of semiconductors, electronics and data‑center equipment, reflecting robust demand from the artificial‑intelligence sector.
The stronger performance gives the Bank of Korea additional flexibility to consider raising policy interest rates later in the year.
The central bank is also monitoring rising energy‑driven inflation pressures linked to the Gulf war.
