South Korea Consumer Confidence Rises in May

South Korea’s Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rose by 6.9 points to 106.1 in May 2026, as households grew more optimistic about economic conditions and income prospects. Sentiment regarding current living standards increased to 93 from 91, while expectations for future living standards rose five points to 97. Consumer sentiment for future household income edged up to 100, and expectations for future household spending increased to 110. Confidence in current domestic economic conditions jumped 15 points to 83, while expectations for future economic conditions rose 14 points to 93. Meanwhile, inflation expectations remained stable, with the one-year ahead expected inflation rate at 2.8%, while three-year and five-year ahead expectations both stood at 2.6%.

South Korea’s Composite Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 99.2 in April 2026 from 107.0 in March.This marks the first time the index has dropped below the neutral 100 threshold since early 2025 and represents the steepest single-month decline since December 2024. Sentiment regarding current living standards fell to 91, while expectations for the future outlook dropped to 92. Future household income sentiment declined to 98 and expectations for future spending slipped to 108. Views on current domestic economic conditions plunged 18 points to 68, while expectations for future conditions fell to 79. Overall, confidence deteriorated as the Middle East conflict fueled energy price pressures and market volatility. Inflation expectations were 2.9% for the year ahead, 2.6% for the three-year horizon and 2.6% for the five-year horizon.

South Korea’s Composite Consumer Sentiment Index stood at 107.0 in March 2026, down 5.1 points from 112.1 in February to mark a significant retreat from the 8-year high reached earlier in the period. Consumer sentiment regarding current living standards was 94, two points lower than in February, while expectations for the future outlook were 97, four points lower than in the previous month. Sentiment about future household income fell to 101, and expectations for future household spending remained at 111. Consumers’ views on current domestic economic conditions weakened to 86, while expectations for future domestic economic conditions fell to 89. Overall, the data suggest a notable decline in confidence driven by significantly lower assessments of the domestic economy and its future prospects. Inflation expectations were 2.7% for the year ahead, 2.6% for the three-year horizon and 2.5% for the five-year horizon.