The South Korean economy witnessed a marked shift in its consumer price index (CPI) for December 2025, reflecting a return to positive inflation territory. According to the latest data updated on December 30, 2025, the CPI for this month recorded an upward movement, reaching 0.3%. This move reverses the previous month's trend, where the CPI fell by 0.2% in November 2025.
This month-over-month improvement in the CPI suggests a rejuvenation in consumer demand and prices, as South Korea managed to deflect the deflationary pressures experienced just a month prior. Economists will be closely monitoring whether this rebound in prices is an early signal of sustained inflationary growth or a temporary corrigendum in the market dynamics.
The change indicates a pivotal adjustment in South Korea's economic trajectory as policymakers steer towards maintaining a balanced growth environment. As these figures signify emerging inflationary pressures, the focus now shifts to potential implications for future monetary policy as authorities calibrate strategies to support economic stability.