Anchor: South Korea’s economy posted growth of one-point-two percent in the third quarter, emerging from growth in the zero percent range for the first time in six quarters. This is the highest reading since the second quarter of 2010. Although exports continued to be sluggish, a recovery in domestic demand brought about growth. 
Our Bae Joo-yon has more.
 
Report: According to a Bank of Korea report on real gross domestic product (GDP), South Korea’s GDP grew one-point-two percent in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter.

The figure is the highest reading since the second quarter of 2010, when it posted one-point-seven percent. 
 
GDP growth plunged to the zero percent range in the second quarter of last year following the sinking of the Sewol ferry. Since then, it had remained in the zero percent range until the second quarter of this year.
 
In particular, GDP growth fell to three-tenths of a percent in the second quarter of this year due to a slump in exports, a prolonged drought and the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
 
In the third quarter, however, GDP growth recovered to the one percent range.
 
Private consumption jumped one-point-one percent from the second quarter while investment in the construction sector surged four-and-a-half percent and investment in equipment grew two percent.
 
However, exports slipped two-tenths of a percent due to a slump in liquid crystal displays and ships.
 
The central bank’s report also found that manufacturers saw growth of only one-tenths of a percent in the third quarter while the service industry, which was hit hard by MERS, recovered and posted growth of one percent.
 
In particular, the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries witnessed growth of six-and-a-half percent thanks to a base effect after seeing negative growth of more than 12 percent in the previous quarter.
 
Growth in gross domestic income, meanwhile, stood at one percent in the third quarter, or similar to the second quarter.
Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.