GDP growth (annual) · South Korea

South Korea GDP Growth Rate YoY Adv

The South Korea GDP Growth Rate YoY Adv measures how much the economy of South Korea grew compared with the same period a year earlier.

Importance
Medium
Released
Quarterly
Currency
KRW · South Korean won
Central bank
The Bank of Korea

Latest figures

The latest release for Q3, published on 26 October 2026, came in at 3.4%, above the consensus of 3%, down from 3.7% the time before.

A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the South Korean won and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.

Over the last 7 releases it ranged from -0.1% to 3.6%, averaging 1.7%.

Jan 2025: 1.2%Apr 2025: -0.1%Jul 2025: 0.5%Oct 2025: 1.7%Jan 2026: 1.5%Apr 2026: 3.6%Oct 2026: 3.4% Jan 2025Oct 2026
Actual results; the short line on a bar marks the consensus.
ReleasedForActualConsensusPrevious
26 Oct 2026Q33.4%3%3.7%
22 Apr 2026Q13.6%2.7%1.6%
21 Jan 2026Q41.5%1.9%1.8%
27 Oct 2025Q31.7%0.9%0.6%
23 Jul 2025Q20.5%0.4%0%
23 Apr 2025Q1-0.1%0.2%1.2%
22 Jan 2025Q41.2%1.4%1.5%

See it in the economic calendar →

Why it matters

The yearly rate is less noisy than the quarterly change and is the figure most people mean by "economic growth". It shapes the earnings outlook for local companies, tax revenue, and the Bank of Korea's view of how much spare capacity the economy has.

How it is calculated

Statistics Korea compares real GDP (after inflation) with the same quarter or year before; full-year figures sum the four quarters.

Growth (yoy) = real GDP ÷ real GDP a year ago − 1

What changes mean

  • Growth above the country's trend (about 1–2% for advanced economies, more for emerging ones) tends to raise inflation pressure.
  • Annual growth turns only slowly; the quarterly figure shows turning points earlier.

Higher than expected: A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the South Korean won and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.

Lower than expected: A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the South Korean won tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.

A short history

Annual national accounts spread after the Second World War under the UN System of National Accounts (first edition 1953).

Questions

What is the South Korea GDP Growth Rate YoY Adv?

The South Korea GDP Growth Rate YoY Adv measures how much the economy of South Korea grew compared with the same period a year earlier.

What was the latest South Korea GDP Growth Rate YoY Adv?

3.4% for Q3, published on 26 October 2026 (consensus 3%, previous 3.7%).

Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.