Consumer expectations for improved economic conditions have hit a 22-year high in South Korea. 
 
That's according to Mastercard, which released the results of the Mastercard Index of Consumer Confidence for the latter half of 2017 on Tuesday. 
 
The company surveyed more than nine thousand consumers in 18 countries in the Asia Pacific region for the twice-yearly survey, including around 400 people in South Korea.
 
The index, ranging between zero and 100 points, is an average outlook on the next six months by consumers of a country regarding five key indicators - the economy, employment, regular income, the stock market and quality of life.
 
In the latest survey, Korea scored an average of 78 points, 46 points higher than the year's first half and the highest since 1995.
 
Korea's score is also higher than the Asia Pacific average, which was 66-point-nine and way above the indices of other advanced markets in the region such as Australia at 49, Singapore at 45 and Japan at 44.
 
Mastercard said Korea's index likely reflects optimism for the new Moon Jae-in administration.