It appears consumers in South Korea are more willing to open their wallets than they have in recent months.<br />A new report says that, while unemployment remains a pressing issue,... the majority of consumers think the economy is on the recovery path.<br />Kim Ji-yeon reports. <br /> South Korea's consumer sentiment rebounded for the first time in four months in September.<br />Data released by the Bank of Korea on Friday shows its composite consumer sentiment index rose two-and-a-half points to 101-point-seven,... recovering from a dip last month when it fell below the 100-level mainly due to grim unemployment figures released earlier this year.<br />A reading above 100 means there are more optimists than pessimists about the economy.<br /> An official from the central bank attributed the rise to robust exports, an upbeat stock market and a slowdown in price increases of food and other livelihood expenses.<br />The official added that data suggests consumers think the worst is over as the government has put forth measures to boost the job market and stabilize prices.<br /> The same data shows consumer sentiment on housing prices has climbed by ten-points to 119 this month,... a near three-year high.<br />It cited rises in real estate prices in Seoul as well as prices of jeonse, a unique long-term rent in Korea in the form of a lump-sum deposit,... as the main reasons.<br /> It comes after the government unveiled measures this month on curbing speculative housing practices by levying heftier taxes on multiple home owners and limiting the amount they can borrow from banks.<br />Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News. <br />
