According to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, the nation shipped about 89,000 used vehicles last year, 82,000 in 1999, 88,000 in 1998... a sharp rebound from 36,000 in 1997, when the nation was hit by a currency crisis.

The exports continued upward this year at more than 21,000 units during the first four months.

Passenger cars are on top of the list with almost half of the total exports.

The ministry attributed the growing performance to improvement in manufacturing skills and the weak won.

Industry sources predict the used car exports will top 100,000 in a few years.