South Korea's foreign-exchange reserves rose by a record $14.33 billion in August, driven by a jump in commercial banks' foreign-currency deposits at the central bank. Reserves reached $442.28 billion at the end of August, up from $427.95 billion in July, the Bank of Korea said in a statement Thursday.

The increase marks the largest monthly gain on record, reflecting higher dollar holdings by local lenders. The central bank attributed the surge to expanded foreign-currency deposits from commercial banks, which boosted the overall reserve position.

South Korea's reserves have been climbing steadily this year as the country maintains a strong external buffer amid global economic uncertainty. The Bank of Korea continues to monitor capital flows and exchange rate stability.

The data underscores the resilience of South Korea's external finances, with reserves now at a level that comfortably covers short-term external debt and import needs.