The Bank of Korea stated that, influenced by the boom in the chip industry and a stronger-than-expected global economic environment, South Korea's export-oriented economy is expected to achieve significant growth this year compared to last year. The Bank of Korea told the National Assembly that the semiconductor market is experiencing a stronger cycle than in the past, and this momentum will continue at least through this year. The Bank of Korea will release its latest economic growth and inflation forecast report on Thursday, with analysts expecting the bank to raise its 2026 GDP growth forecast from the 1.8% predicted in November to around 2%. There is widespread market expectation that policymakers will keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. According to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea, the South Korean economy grew by 1% last year.
