South Korea's state-run mint is grappling with a gold bar shortage amid robust demand for the precious metal. 📺 Watch News4 now: Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now.

Korean companies secured $34 billion worth of overseas contracts for industrial plant construction in 2024, the Industry Ministry said Tuesday, marking the highest amount in nearly 10 years.

The gold bars, dispensed through vending machines, were introduced last September at five of its stores. The machines offer five sizes, weighing 0.13 ounces to 1.3 ounces.

Bar and coin investment in South Korea surged 29% in the fourth quarter of last year to 5.9 tons, according to data provided from World Gold Council, which coincided with an 11% depreciation of ...