A survey shows that South Korea's GDP growth rate in the third quarter may have slowed down compared to the previous quarter, but accelerated compared to the same period last year. The median forecast of nine surveyed economists shows that after a growth of 0.6% in the second quarter, GDP in the third quarter may increase by 0.5% compared to the previous quarter. Compared to the same period last year, the GDP in the third quarter is likely to grow by 1.1%, while in the second quarter it was 0.9%. Min Joo Kang, senior economist at Dutch International Group, said that strong US consumption may support South Korea's export recovery, but investment may remain weak. Analysts generally believe that exports are expected to recover, but private consumption, construction and equipment investment may still be sluggish.