Korea's GDP per capita to top $40,000 this year, IMF says

What happened: The IMF projects South Korea's GDP per capita will top $40,000 for the first time this year, bringing the milestone forward by two years, and raised its 2025 growth forecast. Key numbers: GDP per capita $43,512 this year, up 19.5 percent from $36,408 in 2025. Growth forecast raised to 3.3 percent from 2.6 percent. Nominal GDP about $2.25 trillion. Why it matters: The upgrade exceeds those for the world economy and advanced economies, matching the Bank of Korea's projection. The IMF cited strong semiconductor demand and named Korea a key supplier for the global AI boom.

The IMF projects South Korea's GDP per capita will top $40,000 for the first time this year, bringing the milestone forward by two years, and raised its 2025 growth forecast.

The upgrade exceeds those for the world economy and advanced economies, matching the Bank of Korea's projection. The IMF cited strong semiconductor demand and named Korea a key supplier for the global AI boom.