Korea’s outstanding deposit rate fell in December whilst loan rates climbed

Rates for new deposits rose during the month.

South Korea’s average interest rates for outstanding deposits fell in December 2025 whilst interest rates on loans rose, according to data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).

The average interest rate on outstanding amounts of deposits, or deposits already held in the banking system, was 2%. This is 2 basis points (bp) lower than the previous month, according to official data.

Average interest rate on new deposits was 2.9%, which is 9 bp higher than in November.

Meanwhile, the average interest rate on both new loans and outstanding loans rose during the month. Rates for new loans rose by 4 bp to 4.19%, whilst rates for outstanding loans rose by 2 bp to 4.23%.