Inflation South Korea 2009

Average inflation: 2.8%

Current Inflation

Inflation is normal at 2.8%, around the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in February at 4.1%. The lowest inflation was in July at 1.6%.

Highest month
February: 4.1%
Lowest month
July: 1.6%
Difference
2.5 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 7.7%. The lowest price increase was in Transport with an average of -3.4%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 7.7%
Lowest increase
Transport: -3.4%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.0%.

5-year average
3%
10-year average
3.1%
All-time high (1991)
9.3%
All-time low (1999)
0.8%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2008, the difference is minimal (-1.9 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
-1.9 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
July: -4.3 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 0.8% 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 €102.80 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2009

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
7.7%
+4.9vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
1.1%
-1.7vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
5.0%
+2.3vs avg.
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Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
1.1%
-1.7vs avg.
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Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
4.5%
+1.7vs avg.
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Health
2.2%
-0.6vs avg.
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Transport
-3.4%
-6.2vs avg.
More details →
Communication
-0.2%
-3.0vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
2.3%
-0.5vs avg.
More details →
Education
2.5%
-0.3vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
3.9%
+1.1vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
6.9%
+4.1vs avg.
More details →

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

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2008
January 3.7% -0.2
February 4.1% +0.5
March 3.9% 0.0
April 3.6% -0.5
May 2.7% -2.2
June 2.0% -3.5
July 1.6% -4.3
August 2.2% -3.4
September 2.2% -2.9
October 2.0% -2.8
November 2.4% -2.1
December 2.8% -1.3
Average 2.8%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.

See also