Seoul shares rose for the fifth consecutive session Friday, led by chip shares, despite lingering concerns about US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff scheme. The Korean won fell to the lowest level in three weeks against the US dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 6.03 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 2,643.13.
Trade volume was moderate at 482.32 million shares worth 13.73 trillion won ($9.37 billion), with decliners outpacing gainers 562 to 316.
Foreigners bought a net 846.9 billion won worth of stocks, while individuals and institutions sold a net 540.32 billion won and 395.44 billion won of stocks, respectively.
The index opened lower, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street, and had fluctuated between positive and negative territory before finishing higher.
"Investors have expectations for a turnaround in the semiconductor sector, while uncertainties surrounding Trump's tariff policy linger," said Han Ji-young, an analyst from Kiwoom Securities.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 2.49 percent to 61,700 won, and chip giant SK hynix advanced 2.62 percent to 215,500 won.
Major bio firm Samsung Biologics surged 2.15 percent to 1,095,000 won, and Celltrion added 0.21 percent to 186,700 won.
But leading battery maker LG Energy Solution lost 1.64 percent to 329,000 won, and No. 1 steelmaker Posco Holdings dipped 1.81 percent to 326,000 won on profit taking.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor climbed 1.23 percent to 205,000 won, while its sister affiliate Kia shed 0.31 percent to 95,700 won.
Leading defense equipment manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace nosedived 13.02 percent to 628,000 won after announcing a plan to raise 3.6 trillion won by issuing around 5.95 million shares. It marks the largest-ever stock sale by a South Korean company.
The local currency was trading at 1,462.7 won against the US dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 3.8 won from the previous session. It marked the lowest level since Feb. 28, when the won was quoted at 1,463.4 won. (Yonhap)
