The Bank of Korea published preliminary borrower-level household debt statistics for the second quarter of 2026, showing that newly issued household loans averaged KRW 34.14 million per borrower, down KRW 1.28 million from the previous quarter. Average mortgage issuance fell KRW 21.10 million to KRW 208.29 million per borrower. Declines in newly issued loans were concentrated among borrowers in their 40s, borrowers in the Seoul metropolitan area and customers of non-bank financial institutions. Despite lower new lending, the average outstanding household loan balance increased KRW 0.5 million quarter on quarter to KRW 97.90 million per borrower, while the average mortgage balance rose KRW 1.87 million to KRW 161.93 million. The statistics are based on a sample covering 4.8% of people aged 18 and older with credit information.
2026-08-25Bank of Korea
Bank of Korea reports lower new household loans and higher outstanding balances per borrower in second quarter
Bank of Korea data show newly issued household loans fell to an average KRW 34.14 million per borrower in the second quarter of 2026, with mortgage issuance declining to KRW 208.29 million. Average outstanding household debt nevertheless rose to KRW 97.90 million per borrower, including a KRW 161.93 million mortgage balance.