The manufacturing sector in South Korea expanded at a steady pace in February, the latest survey from Markit Economics revealed on Monday, with a performance of manufacturing index score of 51.1.

That was unchanged from the January reading, which was the highest score since April 2013.

It also remained clearly above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction in a sector.

"Operating conditions continued to improve in the South Korea manufacturing sector in February. Production rose at the quickest pace since April 2013, while there was a sustained moderate rise in total new orders," said Markit economist Amy Brownbill.

Employment levels remained in growth territory, with the rate of expansion the strongest in just under a year. Meanwhile, downward cost pressures remained, with both input and output prices falling.

Output at South Korean goods producers rose for the second consecutive month, with the latest increase the quickest rate since April 2013.

Total new orders increased for the third month in a row, marking the longest period of growth in over a year. Meanwhile, new orders from abroad rose, with firms commenting on higher demand for new products, with some mentioning increased trade with Japan and Germany.

Reports of higher production requirements and stronger demand conditions subsequently led to a further expansion in the manufacturing workforce. Although only moderate, the rate of employment growth was the quickest in 11 months.

Despite greater staff numbers, backlogs of work were accumulated for the second consecutive month. The increase in volumes of unfinished work was only very slight, however.

As a consequence of falling raw material costs, in particular oil, both input and output prices fell. The rate of deterioration in purchasing costs slowed from the previous month, but nonetheless remained solid and the second-fastest since May 2013.

Manufacturing charges, meanwhile, declined at the quickest rate in just under six years. As well as a drop in raw material costs, some firms commented on intensified competition and price negotiations with clients as factors behind the latest decrease in selling prices.

"Growth in new orders from abroad slowed to a marginal pace. Falling raw material costs, in particular oil, led to a further fall in overall input prices, while manufacturing charges declined at the fastest rate in just under six years." Brownbill said.