The Bank of Korea is contemplating resuming gold purchases for the first time since 2013, as part of a potential shift in its reserve management strategy. This move comes amid increasing global demand for gold, driven by inflation concerns and currency instability. The central bank, which currently holds 104.4 tons of gold, ranks 41st globally in gold reserves. Heung-Soon Jung, director of the Reserve Investment Division, announced the bank's plans to consider additional gold purchases from a medium- to long-term perspective during a recent event in Kyoto. This renewed interest aligns with a broader trend among global central banks, which have been increasing their gold holdings. In the first half of 2025, 23 countries expanded their gold reserves, with significant purchases by Poland, Kazakhstan, Turkey, China, and the Czech Republic. The shift reflects diminishing confidence in dollar-denominated assets amid U.S. fiscal challenges and trade tensions. Despite recent volatility in gold prices, some market experts remain optimistic about a potential rally, viewing the current price drop as a buying opportunity.