South Korea FX Reserves Increase in July

South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves surged to $442.3 billion at the end of August 2026 from $428.0 billion in July, with the $14.3 billion increase marking the largest monthly gain on record. The jump was mainly driven by higher foreign currency deposits from financial institutions and gains in marketable securities. Securities remained the largest component, rising by $7.1 billion to $387.1 billion, while deposits jumped by $7.2 billion to $30.3 billion. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) edged up to $15.8 billion, while the country’s reserve position at the IMF also increased slightly. Gold holdings were unchanged at $4.8 billion. Foreign exchange reserves have now risen for three consecutive months since June, with the August increase surpassing the previous record monthly gain of $14.29 billion set in May 2009.

South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $427.9 billion at the end of July 2026 from $427.4 billion in June. Securities remained the largest component, totaling $380.0 billion and accounting for 88.8% of total reserves. Deposits stood at $23.1 billion (5.4%), followed by Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at $15.7 billion (3.7%), gold holdings at $4.8 billion (1.1%), and the country’s reserve position at the IMF at $4.3 billion (1.0%).

South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $427.4 billion at the end of June 2026 from $427.0 billion in May, marking a modest increase in the country’s external buffers. The reserve stock remained heavily concentrated in securities, which accounted for $380.3 billion, or 89.0% of total holdings. Deposits stood at $22.3 billion (5.2%), followed by Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at $15.6 billion (3.7%), gold reserves at $4.8 billion (1.1%), and the country’s reserve position at the IMF at $4.3 billion (1.0%).