Spearheaded by export and consumption , the South Korean economy continues to show signs of recovery , according to the Korean Development Institute ( KDI ) on December 7 . KDI stated in its study on economic trends for December 2009 , released Monday that some coincident composite indices have shown slow growth due to temporary factors including holidays , but most of leading composite indicators continue to improve . KDI said growth in production of mining and manufacturing and services have retreated , but the overall sector has been posting sound recovery . “ Indices related to consumption signals a continuous recovery in private consumption , ” and added , “ Indices related to investment have dipped , but the leading composite index centered in the private economy continues to show improvement , ” said KDI . In terms of the labor market , the rise on the number of newly employed workers in October fell short of 10 , 000 with the ratio of participation in economic activities declining by 0 . 6 percentage point . However , the unemployment rate declined to 3 . 4 percent , down 0 . 2 percentage point compared with the previous month which bolstered the stagnant labor market . “ South Korea ’ s stock price index bounced back after a slump due to the Dubai Crisis triggered at the end of November . Meanwhile , interest rates are stable backed by the monetary authority ’ s decision to keep the rates low , ” stated KDI . [ Yen - mi Hong / edited by Jae - yoon Jung ] [ ⓒ Maeil Business Newspaper & mk . co . kr , All rights reserved ]