South Korea’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 4.54% in late September, approaching its highest level since October 2022. The move tracked a broader global bond selloff as local markets reopened after the holidays. Yields were pushed higher by mounting inflation concerns amid rising oil prices, driven in part by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
US Treasury yields also added upward pressure on Korean bonds, as long-term Korea–US yields tend to move in tandem. Growing expectations of additional US rate hikes have, in turn, increased the likelihood of further tightening by the Bank of Korea.
Policymakers have already raised the policy rate by a total of 50 basis points in two consecutive 25-basis-point hikes, bringing it to 3.00%. Stronger-than-expected economic growth, underpinned by a robust semiconductor boom, has intensified price pressures. The central bank cited inflation risks and concerns over financial stability, while emphasizing that any further rate increases would depend on the evolution of economic conditions.
