South Korea’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.2% in June 2026, marking the fastest pace since December 2023 and up from 3.1% in the previous month.
The latest reading was in line with market expectations and well above the central bank’s 2% target, reflecting accumulated increases in raw-material costs and a weaker won that continue to feed through the economy.
Transport costs led the price gains (11.1% vs 11.6% in May), driven by higher prices for petroleum products.
Prices also rose faster for food and non-alcoholic beverages (2% vs 1.6% in May), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.5% vs 0.3%), and recreation and culture (5.4% vs 5%).