South Korea’s factory activity continues to expand, but at a slower pace, according to PMI data cited by multiple outlets. The manufacturing PMI points to ongoing growth in output and business conditions, yet the expansion is losing momentum. Reporting across sources attributes the slowdown primarily to weakening export demand, which reduces new orders or slows order growth for manufacturers. This comes as South Korea remains sensitive to shifts in global trade and regional export markets. The PMI reading is presented as a near-term indicator of economic conditions in manufacturing, reflecting changes in production, employment, and purchasing activity, alongside demand trends. While the data signals continued expansion rather than contraction, the slower rate suggests less supportive conditions for factories than in the prior period. Overall, the articles emphasize that export-related softness is a key driver behind the moderation in factory growth, based on the PMI components and the direction of change from the previous survey period.