Bank of Korea reports $12.24 billion current account surplus in November
The Bank of Korea reported that the Korean current account recorded a surplus of $12.24 billion in November 2025. Concurrently, the financial account saw its net assets increase by $8.27 billion during the same month.
Robust goods surplus drives current account
Korea's current account recorded a surplus of $12.24 billion in November 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous month's $6.81 billion.
This robust performance was primarily driven by the goods account, which posted a $13.31 billion surplus.
Exports expanded by 5.5 percent year-on-year to $60.11 billion, while imports saw a slight decrease of 0.7 percent to $46.80 billion.
In contrast, the services account registered a deficit of $2.73 billion, mainly due to shortfalls in travel and other business services.
The primary income account contributed positively with a $1.83 billion surplus, attributed to increased income on equity.
The secondary income account, however, recorded a minor deficit of $0.18 billion.
Financial account sees broad asset growth
The financial account registered a net increase in assets of $8.27 billion in November.
This was largely supported by portfolio investment, which saw a net increase of $6.52 billion, stemming from a $12.26 billion rise in assets and a $5.74 billion increase in liabilities.
Direct investment also contributed positively, with a net increase of $2.33 billion, as assets rose by $4.09 billion and liabilities by $1.76 billion.
Financial derivatives recorded a net increase of $1.12 billion.
However, other investments experienced a net decrease of $3.39 billion due to a decrease in assets and an increase in liabilities.
Reserve assets increased by $1.70 billion, rounding out the financial flows.
Sustained surplus signals economic resilience
The sustained current account surplus, particularly driven by robust exports, underscores the resilience of Korea's external sector amidst global uncertainties.
While the services deficit remains a structural challenge, the strong primary income and financial asset growth indicate healthy international investment positions.
This overall balance of payments performance suggests a stable external environment supporting domestic economic stability.