2025.11.2500:15:12UTC+00South Korea Consumer Morale Hits 8-Year High

In November 2025, South Korea's Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 112.4, an increase of 2.6 points from October's 109.8. This is the highest level since November 2017, largely due to a significant trade agreement with the United States and stronger-than-anticipated economic growth. The recent $350 billion investment package between South Korea and the US includes a cap on American tariffs for Korean goods at 15%. Furthermore, South Korea's GDP grew by 1.2% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of 2025, surpassing expectations and marking the most rapid growth in a year and a half. Stability was observed in consumer sentiment regarding current living standards at 96, while future outlook expectations increased to 101. Prospects for future household income saw a rise to 104, with anticipated household spending remaining steady at 110. The assessment of current domestic economic conditions improved to 96, and expectations for future conditions rose to 102. Inflation is projected to be 2.6% for the coming year, and 2.5% for both the three-year and five-year periods ahead.