The Bank of Korea says household loans climbed more than 100 trillion won last year after demand rose for living expenses and funds intended for investment in real estate and stocks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In announcing the trends of the financial market for last month, the central bank said Thursday that household loans grew by six-point-six trillion won last December, posting smaller growth than the 13-point-seven trillion won expansion posted in November. 

However, it was quick to add that overall household loans for the entire year of 2020 was estimated to have grown by over 100 trillion won, or the highest to be posted since related statistics began to be compiled in 2004. 

According to the bank, mortgage loans grew by roughly 68 trillion won last year, or the second-highest growth to be posted after the 70 trillion won jump posted in 2015.