Bank of Korea delivers back-to-back rate hikes to cope with inflation

EconomyWhile exports continue to grow, headwinds intensify for small buisinessesSouth Korea's central bank on Aug. 27 delivered its first back-to-back interest rate hike since January 2023. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)STEVEN BOROWIECAugust 27, 2026 11:37 JSTSEOUL -- South Korea's central bank raised its key interest rate for the second consecutive time on Thursday, looking to temper inflationary pressure as economic growth is forecast to accelerate.Read NextSemiconductorsSamsung's record $79bn shareholder return reflects AI boom pressureOpinionWon and yen: 2 currencies, 2 very different problemsTechnologyNo room for data centers? South Korea wants to build one underwaterSemiconductorsSouth Korea, Taiwan top Japan in exports for first time on AI boomCurrenciesSouth Korea seen intervening in cu