Seoul shares ended more than 1 percent higher Wednesday on tech gains, with investors somewhat relieved by US President Donald Trump's recent comments on tariff sanctions. The Korean won rose against the US dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 28.13 points, or 1.08 percent, to close at 2,643.94.
Trade volume was moderate at 499.76 million shares worth 7.56 trillion won ($5.5 billion), with gainers outpacing decliners 458 to 413.
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.01 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite climbed 0.46 percent.
Institutions and foreigners bought a net 260.29 billion won and 350.35 billion won, respectively, while individuals sold 683.04 billion won worth of stocks.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump said there could be possible exemptions or reductions in tariffs for its trading partners that contribute to generating American jobs.
In Seoul, tech and auto stocks led gains.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 2.68 percent to 61,400 won, and chip giant SK hynix rose 2.88 percent to 214,000 won.
Top carmaker Hyundai Motor climbed 0.91 percent to 222,000 won, and its smaller affiliate Kia gained 0.6 percent to 101,400 won.
Among decliners, leading budget carrier Jeju Air fell 0.28 percent to 7,020 won, and dominant tobacco company KT&G shed 1.18 percent to 100,100 won.
The local currency was trading at 1,466.30 won against the US dollar at 3:30 p.m., up 2.9 won from the previous session. (Yonhap)
