21.05.202621:00:00UTC+00South Korea’s Consumer Confidence Jumps Back Above 100 in May, Signaling Brighter Sentiment

South Korea’s consumer confidence strengthened notably in May 2026, with the index rising to 106.1 from 99.2 in April 2026, according to data updated on 21 May 2026. The move takes the indicator back above the 100-point threshold, often seen as the dividing line between pessimism and optimism among households.

The sharp improvement suggests South Korean consumers have become more upbeat about economic conditions and their own financial outlook compared with the previous month. The climb from April’s sub-100 reading to May’s 106.1 points to a shift toward greater willingness to spend, which could provide support to domestic demand in the coming months.

While the data do not specify the drivers behind the rebound, the return of the index to positive territory is likely to be closely watched by policymakers and markets as a potential sign of strengthening consumer sentiment in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.