A strong net external position. Korea's public sector has been a net external creditor since 2000 A resilient fiscal position. Since 2000, Korea has maintained a central government surplus, which averaged 1.4% of GDP between 2001-2005 A dynamic and resilient economy. Despite the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis and instability in the domestic financial system, real GDP has grown an average 5.8% a year since 1999 Serious geopolitical risk stemming from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and a high contingent risk posed by potential costs in reunifying the Korean peninsula Slow reform of key issues such as labor relations and support for the SME sector A resilient but slowly eroding fiscal position Korea's credit ratings are supported by
