Industrial output rose two-point-four percent on month in September for the highest increase in 54 months.
 
Statistics Korea said Friday that mining and manufacturing output rose one-point-nine percent from August, led by an increase in the chip-making industry.
 
Industrial output had fallen for three months in a row from March, but switched to positive growth for four consecutive months beginning in June. 
 
Retail sales inched up zero-point-five percent as sales of nondurable goods such as food and beverages grew, while facilities investments expanded four-point-one percent on higher investments for automobiles and machinery.
 
The index indicating the current economy rose zero-point-seven points while the index forecasting the economy in the coming months climbed zero-point-five points.
 
Statistics Korea said manufacturing sector output was led by the auto and chip industries, including a 17-point-two percent jump in semiconductor output, while service sector output was led by the retail and wholesale industries.