# Korea eyes 3% growth in 2026 riding on AI chip boom > Source: > Published: 2026-07-14 06:52:04+00:00 The government on Tuesday raised Korea's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2026 to 3 percent, up from the January projection of 2 percent, citing robust semiconductor exports driven by strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips. To keep the growth momentum going, it plans to focus on developing semiconductor-centered industries and creating relevant jobs for young people. The revised forecast was unveiled as the government announced its economic strategy for the second half of the year. "The economy is expected to grow 3 percent this year as strong AI-driven demand for semiconductors continues to support exports, while downside risks stemming from the Middle East conflict will be cushioned by the supplementary budget and other policy measures," the Ministry of Finance and Economy said. The government's projection is more optimistic than those of major international organizations. Earlier this month, both the OECD and the International Monetary Fund released their forecasts that Korea's economy would expand by 2.6 percent this year. The ministry also pro