A Statistics Korea report on July industrial activity released on Aug. 29 said domestic production, consumption and investment all grew last month from June. Shown is a bustling Mangwon Market in Seoul's Mapo-gu District on Aug. 26. (Yonhap News)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

Domestic production, consumption and investment last month all grew from June, the first time in five months for all three indicators to see a simultaneous rise.

A Statistics Korea report on July industrial activity released on Aug. 29 said industrial output overall rose 0.3% last month, its second consecutive month of increase, thanks to growth in the service industry (0.2%) and mining and manufacturing (0.3%).

The retail sales index, a gauge of goods consumption, went up 2.5% for its largest hike in 29 months since 6.1% in February 2023. Sales rose in all categories like durable goods including telecom devices and computers (5.4%), non-durable items such as food and beverages (1.1%), and semi-durable goods including clothing (2.7%).

Facility investment also rose 7.9% led by transportation equipment (18.1%) and machinery (3.7%).

dusrud21@korea.kr