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South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.2%
South Korea’s annual consumer inflation rose to 2.2% in March 2026, below market expectations of 2.3% but higher than February’s 2% pace. This marks a three-month high and also comes above the central bank’s 2% target, highlighting mounting price pressures as the ongoing Iran conflict pushes global energy costs higher. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, moderated slightly to 2.2% from 2.3% in February. The Bank of Korea has flagged the Middle East crisis as a key near-term risk, warning that rising oil prices could accelerate inflation while weighing on economic activity.
Published on 2026-04-02

South Korea Inflation Hits 3-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in March 2026, up from 2.0% in the previous two months but less than market forecasts of 2.4%. It was the highest reading since December, breaching the central bank’s 2% target. Price growth accelerated for alcohol and tobacco (0.6% vs 0.4% in February), housing (1.5% vs 1.3%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (3.2% vs 2.9%), health (1.3% vs 1.1%), transport (5.0% vs 1.1%), communication (0.6% vs 0.4%), and recreation & culture (2.8% vs 0.9%). Meanwhile, the cost of food & non-alcoholic beverages increased at the mildest pace since February 2020 (0.5% vs 2.9%). Inflation also slowed for clothing (2.1% vs 2.4%), education (1.1% vs 1.5%), restaurants & hotels (2.7% vs 2.8%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.6% vs 5.0%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.3%, holding steady for the second straight month but falling short of estimates of 0.6%.
Published on 2026-04-02

South Korea Inflation Hits 3-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in March 2026, up from 2.0% in the previous two months but less than market forecasts of 2.4%. It was the highest reading since December, breaching the central bank’s 2% target. Price growth accelerated for alcohol and tobacco (0.6% vs 0.4% in February), housing (1.5% vs 1.3%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (3.2% vs 2.9%), health (1.3% vs 1.1%), transport (5.0% vs 1.1%), communication (0.6% vs 0.4%), and recreation & culture (2.8% vs 0.9%). Meanwhile, the cost of food & non-alcoholic beverages increased at the mildest pace since February 2020 (0.5% vs 2.9%). Inflation also slowed for clothing (2.1% vs 2.4%), education (1.1% vs 1.5%), restaurants & hotels (2.7% vs 2.8%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.6% vs 5.0%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.3%, holding steady for the second straight month but falling short of estimates of 0.6%.
Published on 2026-04-02

South Korea Inflation Hits 3-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in March 2026, up from 2.0% in the previous two months but less than market forecasts of 2.4%. It was the highest reading since December, breaching the central bank’s 2% target. Price growth accelerated for alcohol and tobacco (0.6% vs 0.4% in February), housing (1.5% vs 1.3%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (3.2% vs 2.9%), health (1.3% vs 1.1%), transport (5.0% vs 1.1%), communication (0.6% vs 0.4%), and recreation & culture (2.8% vs 0.9%). Meanwhile, prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages rose the least since February 2020 (0.5% vs 2.9%). Inflation also slowed for clothing (2.1% vs 2.4%), education (1.1% vs 1.5%), restaurants & hotels (2.7% vs 2.8%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.6% vs 5.0%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, holding steady for the second straight month but falling short of estimates of 0.6%.
Published on 2026-04-02

South Korea Inflation Holds Steady at 2%
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2% in February 2026, unchanged from January and slightly below market expectations of 2.1%. The latest reading remained in line with the central bank’s target, indicating that overall price pressures were largely contained before the Iran conflict triggered renewed volatility in global energy markets. The escalating Middle East conflict rattled financial markets and pushed energy prices sharply higher, stoking inflation concerns and prompting policymakers to reassess their outlooks. South Korea is particularly vulnerable to such shocks as it relies heavily on crude oil and natural gas imports from the Middle East. Last week, the Bank of Korea held its policy rate steady at 2.5% for a sixth consecutive meeting and raised its inflation outlook for this year to 2.2% from an earlier projection of 2.1%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3% in February, easing from a 0.4% increase in January which was also the consensus forecast.
Published on 2026-03-05

South Korea Inflation Hits 5-Month Low
South Korea’s annual inflation rate eased to 2% in January 2026 from 2.3% in December, extending its slowdown for a second straight month and marking the lowest reading since August. The figure broadly matched market expectations and the central bank’s target, as softer fuel prices and favorable base effects helped curb price pressures. Last month, the Bank of Korea held its policy rate at 2.5% and removed language pointing to the possibility of further easing, though policymakers remain vigilant about currency volatility and the inflationary impact of a weak won. Price increases were strongest in miscellaneous goods & services (5%), food & non-alcoholic beverages (2.9%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.9%), restaurants & hotels (2.8%), and clothing & footwear (2.4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.4% in January, accelerating from 0.3% in December and in line with consensus forecasts.
Published on 2026-02-02

South Korea Inflation Rate Eases in December
South Korea’s annual inflation rate inched lower to 2.3% in December 2025 from 2.4% in the previous two months, marking the lowest level since September and aligning with market forecasts. However, the latest result remained above the central bank’s 2% target for a fourth straight month. Price growth eased for food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 4.7% in November), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.7% vs 2.8%), health (1.0% vs 1.1%), recreation & culture (1.2% vs 1.4%), and education (1.6% vs 1.7%). At the same time, the costs of alcohol and tobacco were flat after edging up 0.1% previously. Meanwhile, inflation held steady for clothing (at 2.3%), transport (at 3.2%), and communication (at 0.4%), but was higher for housing (1.3% vs 1.2%), restaurants & hotels (3.0% vs 2.9%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.9% vs 4.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, reversing a 0.2% decline in November.
Published on 2025-12-30

South Korea Inflation Rate Hits 3-Month Low, Matches Consensus
South Korea’s annual inflation rate inched lower to 2.3% in December 2025 from 2.4% in the previous two months, marking the lowest level since September and aligning with market forecasts. However, the latest result remained above the central bank’s 2% target for a fourth straight month. Price growth eased for food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 4.7% in November), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.7% vs 2.8%), household goods (1.0% vs 1.1%), health (1.0% vs 1.1%), recreation & culture (1.2% vs 1.4%), and education (1.6% vs 1.7%). At the same time, the costs of alcohol and tobacco were flat after edging up 0.1% previously. Meanwhile, inflation held steady for clothing (at 2.3%), transport (at 3.2%), and communication (at 0.4%), but was higher for housing (1.3% vs 1.2%), restaurants & hotels (3.0% vs 2.9%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.9% vs 4.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, reversing a 0.2% decline in November.
Published on 2025-12-30

South Korea Inflation Rate Hits 3-Month Low, Matches Consensus
South Korea’s annual inflation rate inched lower to 2.3% in December 2025 from 2.4% in the previous two months, marking the lowest level since September and aligning with market forecasts. However, the latest result remained above the central bank’s 2% target for a fourth straight month. Price growth eased for food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 4.7% in November), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.7% vs 2.8%), health (1.0% vs 1.1%), recreation & culture (1.2% vs 1.4%), and education (1.6% vs 1.7%). At the same time, the costs of alcohol and tobacco were flat after edging up 0.1% previously. Meanwhile, inflation held steady for clothing (at 2.3%), transport (at 3.2%), and communication (at 0.4%), but was higher for housing (1.3% vs 1.2%), restaurants & hotels (3.0% vs 2.9%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.9% vs 4.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, reversing a 0.2% decline in November.
Published on 2025-12-30

South Korea Inflation Rate Hits 3-Month Low, Matches Consensus
South Korea’s annual inflation rate inched lower to 2.3% in December 2025 from 2.4% in the previous two months, marking the lowest level since September and aligning with market forecasts. However, the latest result remained above the central bank’s 2% target for a fourth straight month. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, shifting from a 0.2% decline in November.
Published on 2025-12-30

South Korea Inflation Rate Hits 3-Month Low, Matches Consensus
South Korea’s annual inflation rate inched lower to 2.3% in December 2025 from 2.4% in the previous two months, marking the lowest level since September and aligning with market forecasts. However, the latest result remained above the central bank’s 2% target for a fourth straight month. Price growth eased for food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 4.7% in November), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.7% vs 2.8%), housing (1.3% vs 1.1%), health (1.0% vs 1.1%), recreation & culture (1.2% vs 1.4%), and education (1.6% vs 1.7%). At the same time, the costs of alcohol and tobacco were flat after edging up 0.1% previously. Meanwhile, inflation held steady for clothing (at 2.3%), transport (at 3.2%), and communication (at 0.4%), but was higher for housing (1.3% vs 1.2%), restaurants & hotels (3.0% vs 2.9%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.9% vs 4.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.3%, reversing a 0.2% decline in November.
Published on 2025-12-30

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2.4% in November 2025, unchanged from the previous month and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The latest figure also stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for a third straight month. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.8% vs 2.2%), housing (1.2% vs 1.1%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate stood at 2.4% in November 2025, matching October's reading and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (1.2% vs 1.2%), housing (2.8% vs 2.2%), household goods (1.1% vs 2.2%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2.4% in November 2025, unchanged from the previous month and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The latest figure also stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for a third straight month. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.8% vs 2.2%), housing (1.1% vs 2.2%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2.4% in November 2025, unchanged from the previous month and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The latest figure also stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for a third straight month. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (1.2% vs 1.2%), housing (2.8% vs 2.2%), household goods (1.1% vs 2.2%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2.4% in November 2025, unchanged from the previous month and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The latest figure also stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for a third straight month. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.8% vs 2.2%), housing (1.1% vs 1.0%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Rate Stays at 15-Month High
South Korea’s annual inflation rate held at 2.4% in November 2025, unchanged from the previous month and remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The figure also stayed above the central bank’s 2% target for a third straight month. Price continued to rise for all components: food & non-alcoholic beverages (4.7% vs 3.5% in October), tobacco (0.1% vs 0.4%), clothing (2.3% vs 2.1%), furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (1.2% vs 1.2%), housing (2.8% vs 2.2%), household goods (1.1% vs 2.2%), health (1.1% vs 0.9%), transport (3.2% vs 3.4%), communication (0.4% vs 0.4%), culture (1.4% vs 2.1%), education (1.7% vs 1.8%), restaurants & hotels (2.9% vs 3.2%), and miscellaneous goods & services (4.2% vs 4.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined 0.2%, swinging from a 0.3% rise in October and marking the first drop since August.
Published on 2025-12-01

South Korea Inflation Above Forecasts in October
South Korea’s consumer prices rose 2.4% year-on-year in October 2025, surpassing market expectations of a 2.1% gain as a weaker won pushed up energy and food costs, strengthening the case for a rate hold by the central bank. The reading accelerated from September’s 2.1% and marked the highest level since July 2024. Price increases were most notable for miscellaneous goods & services (4.3%), food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.5%), transport (3.4%), restaurants & hotels (3.2%), and furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (2.2%). The data underscores policymakers’ cautious stance after keeping rates unchanged for a third consecutive month in October, balancing growth support with efforts to contain inflation expectations. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3%, moderating from a 0.5% increase in September but exceeding the forecast of 0%.
Published on 2025-11-03

South Korea Inflation Tops Expectations in September
South Korea’s consumer prices rose 2.1% year-on-year in September 2025, picking up from a 1.7% increase in August and surpassing market expectations of 2%. It marked the first acceleration in three months, highlighting renewed price pressures in the economy. The uptick was mainly driven by higher food prices, which surged 3.2% from a year earlier, while non-food items advanced 2.1%. Additional upward pressure came from services, industrial goods, agricultural and marine products, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. On a monthly basis, inflation climbed 0.5% in September, reversing from a 0.1% decline in August and exceeding the consensus forecast of 0.4%. The data could complicate the Bank of Korea’s policy stance, as the central bank continues to balance the need to support a slowing economy with the risk of reigniting inflation.
Published on 2025-10-01

South Korea Inflation Slows More Than Expected
South Korea’s consumer prices increased 1.7% year-on-year in August 2025, slowing from July’s 2.1% rise and falling short of market expectations of 2%. It marked the lowest reading since November 2024, largely driven by a temporary drop in telecommunication costs. Communication prices slumped 13.3% after SK Telecom, the nation’s largest mobile carrier, offered a 50% discount on monthly subscription fees to all 24 million users following a data breach. In contrast, the biggest price increases came from food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.9%), miscellaneous goods and services (4.8%), and furnishings, household equipment, and routine maintenance (3.7%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices slipped 0.1% in August, reversing July’s 0.2% gain which was also the consensus forecast.
Published on 2025-09-01