According to the Korea Gold Exchange prices as of August 3, 2026, major domestic precious metal prices fell across the board, showing a weak trend. The purchase and selling price trends for major precious metals are as follows:

• Pure Gold (24K·3.75g): Buy at 819,000 won, Sell at 688,000 won
• 18K Gold (3.75g): Sell at 505,700 won
• 14K Gold (3.75g): Sell at 392,200 won
• Platinum (3.75g): Buy at 331,000 won, Sell at 268,000 won
• Silver (3.75g): Buy at 11,050 won, Sell at 9,340 won

Looking at the decline compared to the previous trading day, pure gold fell 0.49% (down 4,000 won) on the buy side and 0.58% (down 4,000 won) on the sell side. 18K gold dropped 0.59% (down 3,000 won), and 14K gold also recorded a 0.59% decline (down 2,300 won). Platinum fell 0.6% (down 2,000 won) on the buy side and 0.75% (down 2,000 won) on the sell side, while silver declined 0.27% (down 30 won) on the buy side and 0.21% (down 20 won) on the sell side.

Currently, the domestic price of 1 don of pure gold is trading in the range of 810,000–820,000 won for buying and 690,000–700,000 won for selling. Meanwhile, international gold prices are searching for direction in the low $4,000s per troy ounce, and at present, the international gold price based on the GC New York Mercantile Exchange stands at $4,083.50 per ounce. Recent domestic gold prices have shown a trend of consolidating price levels after a decline rather than rising sharply, so when assessing market conditions, one should comprehensively consider not only fluctuations in international prices but also the won-dollar exchange rate and the buy-sell price differences among dealers.

There are three key variables that will determine the future direction of gold prices.

The first variable is U.S. monetary policy and Treasury yields. Since gold does not pay interest, its relative investment appeal diminishes compared to bonds or deposits in a high-interest-rate environment. Recently elevated U.S. Treasury yields are cited as a leading factor behind the weekly decline in gold prices.

The second variable is whether international gold prices can maintain the $4,000 per ounce level. As bargain-hunting buying has flowed in multiple times at this price point, the $4,000 level is now perceived as a short-term psychological support line. If this support line holds, a range-bound trend is likely to continue, but if it is breached to the downside, volatility could expand once again.

The third variable is the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Typically, an escalation in geopolitical tensions increases safe-haven demand for gold. However, the current tension between the United States and Iran could affect international oil prices, which may act as a burden on gold prices themselves. Movements by the U.S. toward holding off on military action against Iran are also a key variable that the market is closely watching.

In the long term, gold purchases by central banks of various countries are evaluated as a medium- to long-term factor supporting the floor of international gold prices. However, even if central bank demand persists, if U.S. interest rates and the value of the dollar rise simultaneously, gold prices may undergo a period of price correction rather than rising immediately.

If you are planning to trade in physical gold, you should not simply compare representative market prices. Gold bars and jewelry carry different fabrication costs and premiums for each product, and there is a significant gap between the consumer purchase price and the selling price. In particular, 18K and 14K products are subject to separate purchase prices depending on the pure gold content and the condition of the product.

Ultimately, the key to gold prices in early August hinges not on the price of 1 don of pure gold itself, but rather on whether the international gold price can hold the $4,000 level, the direction of the won-dollar exchange rate, and the differences in buy-sell prices among dealers. It is important to keep in mind that even if a short-term price rebound occurs, it is difficult to realize actual investment returns unless the buy-sell price gap is overcome.

[※ This article is not intended to solicit investment, and the judgment and responsibility for investments lie solely with the investor.]