The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Korea expanded 3.60 percent in the first quarter of 2026 over the same quarter of the previous year, accelerating from 1.6% in Q4, marking the fastest growth since the fourth quarter of 2021 and exceeding forecasts of 2.7%. The latest figure came as private consumption (2.6% vs 1.3% in Q4) and government spending (4.0% vs 3.0%) both grew faster. At the same time, exports also rose faster than in Q4 (10.3% vs 4.2%), while investment rebounded (1.3% vs -2.3%). source: The Bank of Korea

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Korea expanded 3.60 percent in the first quarter of 2026 over the same quarter of the previous year. GDP Annual Growth Rate in South Korea averaged 6.77 percent from 1961 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 20.80 percent in the fourth quarter of 1969 and a record low of -7.30 percent in the second quarter of 1998. This page provides - South Korea GDP Annual Growth Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. South Korea GDP Annual Growth Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on May of 2026.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Korea expanded 3.60 percent in the first quarter of 2026 over the same quarter of the previous year. GDP Annual Growth Rate in South Korea is expected to be 1.30 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Korea GDP Annual Growth Rate is projected to trend around 2.20 percent in 2027 and 2.40 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-03-09 11:00 PM
YoY Final
Q4 1.6% 1.8% 1.7% 1.5%
2026-04-22 11:00 PM
YoY Adv
Q1 3.6% 1.6% 2.7% 1.9%
2026-06-08 11:00 PM
YoY Final
Q1 1.6% 1.9%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
GDP Growth Rate YoY 3.60 1.60 percent Mar 2026
GDP Constant Prices 592530.60 582662.50 KRW Billion Mar 2026
GDP Growth Rate 1.70 -0.20 percent Mar 2026
Gross Fixed Capital Formation 157290.70 160825.20 KRW Billion Dec 2025
Gross National Product 590035.70 581942.60 KRW Billion Dec 2025


South Korea GDP Annual Growth Rate
South Korea’s economy became one of the most diversified and technologically advanced in the world in the last 50 years. Like in most developed countries, services account for the highest percentage of GDP (around 57 percent of GDP). Within services the most important ones are public administration (6 percent ); education (5.3 percent); information and communication (5 percent); and business activities (4.6 percent of GDP). A strong manufacturing industry which has turned South Korea into a major exporter accounts for 32 percent of GDP.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
3.60 1.60 20.80 -7.30 1961 - 2026 percent Quarterly
2020=100, SA