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South Korea’s Potential Growth Rate Expected to Drop Below 2%, Raising Economic Concerns

South Korea’s Potential Growth Rate Expected to Drop Below 2%, Raising Economic Concerns

SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s potential growth rate is projected to fall below 2% next year, signaling challenges for the nation’s long-term economic sustainability, according to a report released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on December 19. Without structural reforms in labor markets, birthrate improvement, and increased workforce participation by women and [...]

S. Korean Economy Grows 6.9 Pct per Year since 1954 under New Base Year

S. Korean Economy Grows 6.9 Pct per Year since 1954 under New Base Year

SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s economy grew at an annualized rate of nearly 7 percent after a change in the base year for economic growth data compilation, central bank data showed Wednesday. According to the data from the Bank of Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy expanded at an average 6.9 percent per year [...]

S. Korea’s Export-dependent Economy Faces Lowered Growth Projection amid Weak Domestic Demand

S. Korea’s Export-dependent Economy Faces Lowered Growth Projection amid Weak Domestic Demand

SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Growth projections for South Korea’s export-dependent economy in 2024 have been revised downward, despite robust semiconductor exports, reflecting slower-than-expected recovery in domestic demand amid high interest rates and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in the year, both the South Korean government and major international financial organizations projected [...]

Finance Minister Reassures Eased Uncertainties following Yoon’s Impeachment

Finance Minister Reassures Eased Uncertainties following Yoon’s Impeachment

SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok reiterated Monday that uncertainties from the recent martial law debacle have eased following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, emphasizing the country’s robust economic system. Choi made the remarks during the opening session of a regional economic forum in Seoul attended by domestic and [...]

Japan Emerges as South Korea’s Top Export Rival, Study Shows

Japan Emerges as South Korea’s Top Export Rival, Study Shows

SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – A new analysis has revealed that Japan stands as South Korea’s strongest competitor in global exports, with the two countries sharing nine out of their top 10 export items. According to a report titled “Analysis of Global Competition Trends in Top 10 Export Items” released by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion [...]

S. Korea’s Overseas Direct Investment Falls for 3rd Quarter amid Uncertainty

S. Korea’s Overseas Direct Investment Falls for 3rd Quarter amid Uncertainty

SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s overseas direct investment fell for the third consecutive quarter in the July-September period amid uncertainties in the global economy and geopolitical risks, the finance ministry said Friday. Investments made by South Korean companies overseas totaled US$14.19 billion in the third quarter, down 6 percent from $15.1 billion [...]

South Korea’s Employment Growth Slows to 46-Month Low Amid Broader Economic Challenges

South Korea’s Employment Growth Slows to 46-Month Low Amid Broader Economic Challenges

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The growth in South Korea’s employment insurance registrations reached its lowest point in nearly four years, highlighting a slowdown in the labor market as the country faces a range of economic headwinds.  According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the number of regular employment insurance subscribers increased by [...]

Korean Economy Faces Headwinds Amid Global and Domestic Uncertainty, KDI Warns

Korean Economy Faces Headwinds Amid Global and Domestic Uncertainty, KDI Warns

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s economy is grappling with mounting challenges, as domestic construction downturns and global trade uncertainties weigh heavily on growth prospects, according to a report by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) on December 9.  While the report notably avoided direct mention of the ongoing political turmoil surrounding President Yoon [...]

Food Prices in South Korea Could Surge Further as Currency Weakens

Food Prices in South Korea Could Surge Further as Currency Weakens

SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Rising exchange rates could push South Korea’s already elevated food prices even higher next year, experts warn, as the country’s heavy reliance on imported food ingredients makes it particularly vulnerable to currency fluctuations.  The won has weakened significantly against the dollar in recent weeks, with the exchange rate breaking through 1,400 [...]

Economic Turmoil Grips Pohang as Battery and Steel Industries Face Challenges

Economic Turmoil Grips Pohang as Battery and Steel Industries Face Challenges

POHANG, South Korea, Dec. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — The industrial heart of Pohang, once buoyed by its thriving secondary battery and steel industries, is grappling with a severe economic downturn, underscoring the fragility of the region’s core sectors. The city, home to major players like EcoPro, POSCO Future M, and GS Energy Materials, has been [...]