Mortgage loan originations South Korea 2022, by loan period

In 2022, about 38 trillion South Korean won in bogeumjari loans (mortgages) with a term of 30 years were issued in South Korea. The largest lender in terms of loan amount that year was Hana Bank, followed by Kookmin Bank.

Mortgage loans in South Korea

Many prospective first-time homeowners took out bogeumjari loans due to their fixed and favorable rates. Other large banks in the country providing such loans include Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and NH Nonghyup Bank. Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the combined value of mortgage loans offered by the largest banks in South Korea continued to increase.

Rising household debt

However, there are concerns about worsening household debt as loans are issued with higher interest rates. Interest rates for mortgage loans rose between 2021 and 2023 following the central bank base rate increases. Unsurprisingly, the national household loan delinquency rate has increased within the past year. As rising inflation and interest rates typically negatively impact household spending habits, the amount of loans provided is expected to slow.