(SEOUL=NEWSIS) Korea posted a current account surplus of USD 9.3 billion in May, maintaining its current surplus for the 27th month straight and showing an increase from April (USD 7.12 billion), according to a Bank of Korea report on June 27.

The surplus is attributed mainly to the primary income account. A positive balance of dividends helped the primary income account turn from a deficit of USD 1.62 billion in April to a surplus of USD 730 million in May.

However, the balance of Korea’s goods fell from a surplus of USD 10.65 billion last month to a surplus of USD 9.35 billion in May.

Korea’s service account showed a deficit of USD 340 million in May from USD 1.04 billion in April due to improved account balances in other industry services and transportation.

The secondary income account posted a deficit of US 440 million.

ashley85@newsis.com