SEOUL, March 2 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's industrial production rebounded in the first month of this year thanks to brisk exports, which account for about half of the export-driven economy, a government report showed Friday.

Production in all industries gained 1.2 percent in January from a month earlier, after falling 0.5 percent in the prior month, according to Statistics Korea. It marked the fastest increase since March last year.

The rebound came as the country's exports maintained an upward trend. Overseas shipments jumped 22.3 percent in January from a year earlier.

The export growth rate fell to 4 percent in February as the number of working days shrank for the Lunar New Year's holidays, but the daily average export was the biggest ever among any February figures.

Output in the mining and manufacturing industries rose 1 percent in January from the previous month. Production in the services sector picked up 0.8 percent.

Retail sales expanded 1.7 percent in January from a month ago due to robust demand for durable goods such as automobiles.

Facility investment advanced 6.2 percent, marking the fastest expansion since March last year.