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Bank of Korea gold reserve and ETF acquisition

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-18 16:40 UTC → 2026-08-28 13:26 UTC · added removed

Bank of Korea gold reserve and ETF acquisition

The Bank of Korea (BOK) has resumed purchasing domestic physical gold for the first time since 2013. To 2013 to mitigate foreign-exchange volatility and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar amid geopolitical uncertainty, the dependence. The central bank intends to acquire a portion of the gold produced by from local suppliers like LS MnM Co. and Korea Zinc through over-the-counter transactions. These purchases will be coordinated with producers on price and volume over-the-counter transactions to avoid disturbing the local market. With market disruption. Currently holding 104.4 tonnes of gold, tonnes, the BOK currently ranks 39th among central banks worldwide. In addition to globally in gold reserves. Beyond physical gold, metal, the BOK has engaged in gold-backed significantly increased its gold-related holdings through exchange-traded fund (ETF) investments. During the second quarter, funds (ETFs). SEC filings reveal the bank invested approximately 250 million dollars (350 billion won) into purchased 679,765 shares of the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) ETF. ETF during the second quarter, bringing its ETF holdings to a value of ₩354.5 billion ($250.41 million). Jung Hee-sup, Director of the BOK Reserve Management Group, noted the decision was driven by gold’s status as a “safe-haven asset amid heightened geopolitical risks.” While the bank maintains positions in various S&P 500 tracking funds, such as trackers like VOO and IVV, it has recently reduced holdings in those specific funds. This central bank activity coincides with increased interest from private investors in mirrors broader market trends. In South Korea, where private interest has surged, with trading volumes on the KRX gold market rose significantly rising in early August. This shift in reserve strategy occurs against a backdrop Simultaneously, South Korean investors are shifting capital toward overseas assets, with net purchases of high global demand, including U.S. stocks reaching $4.6 billion last month. Globally, demand remains robust; in India, where households are increasingly pledging gold rather than selling it, leading causing recycled gold supply to fall to a decline low of 19 tons in recycled gold supply. the second quarter of 2026.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-28 13:26 UTC Bank of Korea gold reserve and ETF acquisition
  2. 2026-08-18 16:40 UTC Bank of Korea gold reserve acquisition
  3. 2026-08-12 23:40 UTC Bank of Korea gold reserve acquisition

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