Inflation South Korea 2004

Average inflation: 3.6%

Current Inflation

Inflation is high at 3.6%, well above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in August at 4.8%. The lowest inflation was in December at 3.0%.

Highest month
August: 4.8%
Lowest month
December: 3.0%
Difference
1.8 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Category Insights

The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 8.1%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -1.6%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 8.1%
Lowest increase
Communication: -1.6%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.3%.

5-year average
3.3%
10-year average
3.8%
All-time high (1991)
9.3%
All-time low (1999)
0.8%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2003, the difference is minimal (+0.1 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
+0.1 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
August: +1.8 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 1.6% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €103.60 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2004

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
8.1%
+4.5vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
1.1%
-2.5vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
0.3%
-3.3vs avg.
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Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
3.3%
-0.4vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
0.7%
-2.9vs avg.
More details →
Health
1.4%
-2.2vs avg.
More details →
Transport
3.5%
-0.1vs avg.
More details →
Communication
-1.6%
-5.2vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
-0.1%
-3.7vs avg.
More details →
Education
5.5%
+1.9vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
3.8%
+0.2vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
2.0%
-1.6vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2003
January 3.4% -0.4
February 3.3% -0.6
March 3.1% -1.4
April 3.3% -0.4
May 3.3% +0.1
June 3.6% +0.6
July 4.4% +1.2
August 4.8% +1.8
September 3.9% +0.6
October 3.8% +0.1
November 3.3% -0.1
December 3.0% -0.4
Average 3.6%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.

See also