 |
Korea’s Q1 2026 real GDP growth came in at 1.694%, the highest among the 22 countries that have released preliminary figures so far, according to Bank of Korea data released today (May 12). Indonesia (1.367%) and China (1.3%) came in second and third. Those three were the only countries to post growth above 1% for the quarter. The rest: Finland (0.861%), Hungary (0.805%), Spain (0.614%), Estonia (0.581%), US (0.494%), Canada (0.4%), Germany (0.334%), Costa Rica (0.279%), Belgium (0.2%), Austria (0.197%), Italy (0.165%), Czechia (0.153%), Netherlands (0.051%), Portugal (0.022%). France contracted by 0.005%, while Sweden (-0.21%), Lithuania (-0.444%), Mexico (-0.8%), and Ireland (-2.014%) all posted negative growth. This is a sharp rebound. In Q4 2024, Korea grew -0.161% and ranked 38th out of 41 countries in BOK’s dataset. If Korea holds the top spot once the remaining countries report, it’ll be the first time Korea has led the quarterly rankings since Q1 2010 (2.343%), when post-financial-crisis trade recovery was driving Korean exports. The Q1 surprise was again driven by exports, particularly semiconductors and IT. Exports jumped 5.1%, with net exports contributing 1.1 percentage points to GDP growth. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix posted earnings of 57.2 trillion won and 37.6 trillion won respectively for the quarter, both well into “earnings surprise” territory. The actual number nearly doubled the BOK’s February forecast of 0.9%. Domestic and international institutions are now revising their full-year forecasts upward. The Korea Institute of Finance raised its 2026 forecast from 2.1% to 2.8% yesterday. BOK releases updated projections on May 28. Caveat: Q2 will probably look much worse. Quarterly growth is calculated against the previous quarter, so a strong Q1 usually means a base-effect drag on Q2. The government already flagged this on April 23, saying Q2 would likely see “an unavoidable correction” due to the Q1 base effect and the intensifying impact of the Middle East war. For reference, Q1 2024 also came in unexpectedly hot at 1.174%, then Q2 2024 dropped to -0.028%. submitted by /u/Charming-Ad-8198 |
Korea posts highest Q1 GDP growth among major economies, beating China and Indonesia
Related Posts
Latest News from Korea
- Korean destroyer to join 250th anniversary US naval fleet review
The Korean destroyer Munmu the Great departed for the United States Monday, beginning a trans-Pacific voyage to join a massive international naval assembly marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 4,400-ton DDH-II class vessel slipped its moorings at the Jeju Naval Base Monday afternoon. It is headed for New York, where it will serve as Korea’s representative at the… Read more: Korean destroyer to join 250th anniversary US naval fleet review - Korea Exchange eases rule on stock buyback for investors: sourceThe Korea Exchange, Korea’s main bourse operator, has softened a rule on listed firms when they repurchase certain shares, a source said Monday. According to the source, the Korea Exchange has eased the rule since last Friday. Under the changes, the bourse operator will not impose a summary fine if a listed firm repurchases shares of its stock more than… Read more: Korea Exchange eases rule on stock buyback for investors: source
- King Sejong’s legacy meets inventor of Korean brailleA new exhibition opening Thursday in Yeoju draws a striking parallel across five centuries of Korean history: the creation of Hangeul by King Sejong and the invention of Korean braille by educator Bak Du-seong during Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule over Korea. The special exhibition, titled “Hangeul and Korean Braille,” will run from Thursday through July 19 at the History and… Read more: King Sejong’s legacy meets inventor of Korean braille
- Doosan, Lotte plan aggressive investments in chip materialsThe brisk semiconductor demand led by artificial intelligence (AI) services is prompting Doosan and Lotte Energy Materials to make aggressive investments in expanding production capacity. According to a regulatory filing from Doosan Corp., the company plans to invest 244.5 billion won ($166 million) in its copper clad laminate (CCL) business this year. CCL is a key material used in printed… Read more: Doosan, Lotte plan aggressive investments in chip materials
- NMIXX returns with ‘Heavy Serenade,’ aiming to repeat chart successK-pop girl group NMIXX is releasing its fifth mini-album “Heavy Serenade” Monday evening, seven months after its first full-length album “Blue Valentine” topped major domestic streaming charts and swept 10 music show wins. The six-track album centers on the theme of love, with the title track written by rising singer-songwriter Hanroro. The song blends electronic music elements — trance, acid… Read more: NMIXX returns with ‘Heavy Serenade,’ aiming to repeat chart success
Latest Entertainment from Korea
- LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings CollectionPhoto Credits: CHROMOSOME LE’V Illuminates 2026 with “Spotlight Soul” LE’V enters 2026 with a statement that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. His Season’s Greetings “Spotlight Soul” concept photos reveal a striking evolution — one that merges emotional depth with artistic clarity. The project, released as a collector’s visual experience, celebrates not just another year but LE’V’s firm grasp on identity, craft,… Read more: LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings Collection
- KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty CodesPhoto Credits: SPUR Dior Starship Entertainment A New Year, A New Iconic Pairing SPUR Magazine opens 2026 with a collaboration that feels both intimate and electric. The January 2026 Issue Pictorial Preview showcases KiiiKiii Leesol and Haum in a visual dialogue infused with Dior Addict’s luminous rebellion. Titled “Light Moves: The Addict State of Mind”, the spread captures the interplay of motion, reflection, and self-definition—a signal… Read more: KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty Codes
- Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & IdentityPhoto Credits: Hi-Hat Entertainment The Convergence of Vision and Identity The January 2026 Pictorial from ifeye × KITTO Taiwan marks a defining moment in East Asian creative media. Framed as both a celebration and an evolution, the collaboration bridges art direction, fashion narrative, and technological fluidity to capture a new generation’s pulse. More than a photoshoot, this issue acts as a visual manifesto—an exploration of… Read more: Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & Identity
- Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover StoryPhoto Credits: KLAP ENTERTAINMENT Kep1er’s Xiaoting Captures the Moment Kep1er’s Shen Xiaoting steps into 2026 as a muse of modern elegance, fronting the January 2026 Wonderland China cover with an aura that’s both futuristic and fiercely grounded. As one of the brightest stars of her generation, Xiaoting embodies the balance between aspiration and artistry that defines global pop’s next chapter. “Confidence is not just… Read more: Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover Story
- BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional PrecisionPhoto Credits: GQ Korea – Cartier – BigHit Music. – BTS V x Cartier: The Sound of Stillness and Strength For GQ Korea’s February 2026 issue, the cover unfolds like a cinematic confession. BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung)—known for his magnetic duality of mystery and warmth—joins forces with Cartier, the house synonymous with precision, artistry, and legacy. Together, they create a visual symphony that celebrates… Read more: BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional Precision
Learn People & History of Korea
- The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
- The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsIntroduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
- The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
- Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
- Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingIntroduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling
