Important Facts of the News
- South Korea’s foreign reserves reached US$428.82 billion in October 2025.
- The reserves increased by US$6.8 billion from September 2025.
- This marks the highest reserve level since January 2023.
- Foreign securities fell by US$460 million, totaling US$377.96 billion.
- Foreign currency deposits rose by US$7.4 billion to US$25.94 billion.
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) valued at US$15.71 billion.
- Gold reserves remained steady at US$4.79 billion.
- South Korea ranks ninth globally in foreign reserve holdings as of September.
- China, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, and India are the top five reserves holders.
- South Korea’s IMF reserve positions fell by US$80 million to US$4.41 billion.
South Korea’s Forex Reserves Record Strong Growth
South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves expanded for the fifth month in a row in October, reaching their biggest total in close to three years. The Bank of Korea (BOK) reported that the nation’s foreign reserves climbed to US$428.82 billion at the end of October, up by US$6.8 billion from the previous month.
The latest figure is the highest since January 2023, when the reserves stood at US$429.97 billion. This resurgence in reserves is attributed to increased investment returns and the issuance of foreign currency-denominated bonds for stabilising the forex market.
Breakdown of Korea’s Forex Holdings
According to the central bank, foreign securities such as US Treasuries decreased slightly by US$460 million, reaching US$377.96 billion. They continue to represent over 88 percent of the country’s total reserves.
On the other hand, foreign currency deposits saw a substantial rise of US$7.4 billion, landing at US$25.94 billion. South Korea’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were valued at US$15.71 billion, while its gold reserves remained unchanged at US$4.79 billion.
IMF Holdings & Global Position
South Korea’s reserve position at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed a slight dip of US$80 million, settling at US$4.41 billion.
As of the previous month, the country held the ninth-largest volume of foreign reserves globally. China secured the top ranking, followed by Japan, Switzerland, Russia and India.