Government data show South Korea's cumulative exports so far this year as of Friday are tentatively tallied at over 500 billion dollars.
 
Outbound shipments have reached the 500 billion mark at the fastest pace ever this year since trade data began being compiled in 1956.
 
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy attributed the shortened time of reaching the mark to a diversification in export items and markets as well as even export growth across world regions.
 
Among staple exports, petrochemicals, steel and semiconductors particularly posted high growth. 
 
Exports to most global regions also grew.
 
South Korea is less dependent now on the U.S. and China thanks to brisk exports to emerging markets of Vietnam, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 
 
The ministry noted the trend that South Korean imports' market share is on the rise in countries that have signed free trade agreements with Korea.
 
As of Friday, imports stood at 416 billion dollars, raising prospects of achieving one trillion dollars in total trade volume this year.