The Bank of Korea published its Consumer Tendency Survey for May 2026, showing a marked rebound in household sentiment. The Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 106.1 from 99.2 in April, driven by stronger views on living standards, household income and spending, and domestic economic conditions. Inflation expectations for the coming year edged down to 2.8%, while the three-year and five-year ahead measures were unchanged at 2.6%. Within the survey, current living standards rose 2 points to 93 and the outlook for living standards rose 5 points to 97. Expectations for future household income increased 2 points to 100 and for future household spending increased 2 points to 110. Views on the economy improved most sharply, with sentiment on current domestic economic conditions up 15 points to 83 and on future domestic economic conditions up 14 points to 93. The survey was conducted from May 8 to 15 across 2,500 households nationwide, with 2,253 responses.
Bank of Korea2026-05-22
Bank of Korea reports May consumer sentiment index up 6.9 points to 106.1 with one year ahead inflation expectations at 2.8%
The Bank of Korea’s May 2026 Consumer Tendency Survey shows a strong rebound in household sentiment, with the Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rising to 106.1 from 99.2 in April on improved views of living standards, income, spending and domestic economic conditions. Inflation expectations for the next year eased to 2.8%, while three-year and five-year expectations remained at 2.6%.