$12.24 Billion Milestone: South Korea Current Account Surplus Hits Historic November High

A massive $12.24 billion surplus just hit the books. South Korea's economic engine is firing on all cylinders, as the Bank of Korea (BOK) reported on January 9, 2026, that the country posted its largest-ever current account surplus for any November. This figure almost doubles the previous month's $6.81 billion, signaling that the semiconductor upcycle is providing a robust cushion for the nation's economy.

Semiconductors Drive South Korea Current Account Surplus to New Peaks

The primary engine behind this record performance is the goods account, which saw a surplus of $13.31 billion. Chip exports skyrocketed by 38.7% year-on-year, pushing total exports to $60.11 billion. It wasn't just tech; vehicle shipments also climbed 10.9%. Meanwhile, imports edged down by 0.7%, indicating that this isn't a 'recessionary surplus' but one driven by genuine outward demand.

Travel Demand and Financial Accounts

It's not all smooth sailing, however. The services account remained in the red with a $2.73 billion deficit, largely due to a surge in overseas travel. On the brighter side, the primary income account posted an $1.83 billion surplus, bolstered by strong dividend earnings from abroad. Net assets in the financial account increased by $8.27 billion as residents increased their direct investments overseas.