The Seoul stock market closed higher as foreign investors extended their buying streak despite global trade concerns. The Korean won also strengthened against the US dollar during the session, reflecting investor optimism.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 22.74 points, or 0.71 percent, ending at 3,210.81. Analysts noted that consistent foreign buying in Seoul supported the positive momentum. Trade activity reached 341.3 million shares worth 10.6 trillion won ($7.6 billion).
Foreign investors purchased 893.4 billion won in shares, maintaining their presence for eight consecutive sessions. Institutions followed with 101.3 billion won in purchases, while retail investors sold 1.06 trillion won to lock in profits. Market watchers cited positive evaluations from global investment banks as a key factor behind foreign buying in Seoul.
Wall Street’s mixed close added caution to the market. The Dow Jones lost 0.32 percent, the S&P 500 edged down 0.01 percent, and the Nasdaq rose slightly by 0.05 percent. Despite external uncertainty, Seoul’s market showed resilience.
Tech and energy stocks led the day’s gains. Samsung Electronics rose 1.04 percent to 67,800 won, and SK hynix advanced 1.3 percent to 272,500 won. LG Energy Solution jumped 2.64 percent to 331,000 won, while Hanwha Aerospace gained 2.57 percent to 919,000 won.
Industrial shares also surged. Doosan Enerbility rose 5.56 percent to 68,400 won, and Posco Holdings climbed 5.14 percent to 327,000 won. Shipbuilding stocks followed suit as Hanwha Ocean added 4.98 percent and HD Hyundai Heavy increased 4.81 percent. Renewable energy firm Hanwha Solution jumped 7.37 percent on profit expectations.
Some large-cap stocks fell despite the broader market gains. Hyundai Motor declined 0.71 percent to 209,000 won, while Naver dropped 0.83 percent to 240,000 won. Market analysts suggested profit-taking contributed to these declines.
The Korean won closed at 1,388.2 per US dollar, gaining 4.8 won from the previous session. Currency traders said foreign buying in Seoul helped support the won’s strength against global headwinds.
The market’s positive momentum highlights strong investor confidence, with analysts expecting sustained foreign interest if economic fundamentals remain solid.
