Macro EconomyMedium•26 October 2026•
1 min read
South Korea GDP Grows 1.0% in Q3 Beating Estimates on Chip Boom
Key Facts
1South Korea's economy grew 1.0% in the third quarter, exceeding the median estimate of 0.8%.
2The growth was supported by an AI-fueled chip boom that bolstered exports and investment.
South Korea's economy grew 1.0% in the third quarter of 2026, exceeding the median estimate of 0.8%. Bloomberg reported that the growth was supported by an AI-fueled chip boom that bolstered national exports and investment.
Data released on October 26, 2026, showed the annual GDP growth rate reached 3.4%, surpassing the 3% forecast. While consumer confidence was recorded at 105.4 on the same date, the semiconductor cycle remained the primary driver of economic activity.
Business confidence data is scheduled for release on October 28, 2026, followed by annual export figures on November 1 and the Manufacturing PMI on November 2, 2026, which will provide further insight into the manufacturing sector's momentum.