What did the IMF project for South Korea’s per-capita GNI in 2026 and 2028?

The International Monetary Fund projected that Korea’s per-capita GNI would reach $40,000 in 2026 and $50,000 in 2028.

What challenges does South Korea’s finance ministry say remain despite economic growth?

The ministry pointed to mounting livelihood-related challenges and disparities across various areas. It said the government intends to address livelihood issues and ease disparities so the benefits of growth can be felt in people’s daily lives.

GNI per capita 'almost certain' to reach $40,000 in 2026: finance ministry

Q: Why does South Korea’s finance ministry expect per-capita GNI to reach $40,000 in 2026?

The ministry made its assessment after advance third-quarter data showed the economy grew 1 percent from the previous three-month period, driven by strong exports and investment. It also said growth could reach the mid-3 percent range this year despite a high base effect from the first half.

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Summary

The Ministry of Finance and Economy said Tuesday that Korea is almost certain to reach $40,000 in per-capita gross national income this year, after the economy grew 1 percent in the third quarter from the previous three-month period. The ministry cited strong exports and investment and said growth could reach the mid-3 percent range in 2026. The International Monetary Fund also projected per-capita GNI would reach $40,000 in 2026 and $50,000 in 2028. The ministry said livelihood challenges and disparities remain despite the strong growth.

Key Facts

Korea’s per-capita GNI first exceeded $30,000 in 2014.
Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il said this month that economic growth in 2026 could range from 3.4 percent to 3.6 percent.
The ministry said it intends to address livelihood issues and ease disparities so people can feel the benefits of economic growth in daily life.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 27, 2026 11:18 am KST

Finance Minister Lee Young-il speaks during a meeting discussing housing stabilization for young adults and the elderly in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Finance and Economy

Korea is "almost certain" to reach a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $40,000 this year, the finance ministry said Tuesday, as Asia's No. 4 economy grew 1 percent in the third quarter from the previous three-month period, driven by strong exports and investment.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy made the assessment following the release of advance third-quarter data from the Bank of Korea (BOK), which would mark a new milestone after the country's per capita GNI, a gauge of the population's purchasing power, first surpassed the $30,000 mark in 2014.

"Korea maintained solid growth despite a high base effect from the first half, raising the possibility of growth in the mid-3 percent range this year," the finance ministry said.

Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il said this month Korea's economic growth for 2026 could range from 3.4 percent to 3.6 percent.

"The GNI per capita is almost certain to hit $40,000 for the first time ever," it added.

The International Monetary Fund also recently projected Korea's per capita GNI would reach the $40,000 level in 2026 and $50,000 in 2028.

The finance ministry, however, noted Korea faces structural challenges despite the strong growth, including mounting livelihood-related challenges and disparities across various areas.

"The government intends to tackle the livelihood issues and ease disparities so the benefits of economic growth can be felt in people's daily lives," the finance ministry added.

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