Foreign investors bought 13.15 billion won ($12.39 billion) worth of Korean shares in the second half of this year, concentrating heavily on electronics while offloading holdings of food and beverage stocks, according to tallies from the Korea Exchange on Monday.

Data dated from the end of July to Dec. 18 showed their stock purchases were the highest in amount since the second half of 2010.

The value of their stocks increased from 33.87 percent of the total at the end of June to the current 35.57 percent, it said.

Electronics shares were the most preferred, notably Samsung Electronics, which attracted 28.5 percent of new purchases, followed by SK Hynix. The country’s largest portal Naver and Hyundai Motor were at their heels. Transportation equipment and chemicals were also leading choices, which together with electronics accounted for 74.9 percent of the foreigners’ purchases.

The value increases, however, were highest in the order of the machineries, electronics and service sectors.

Foreigners shed the largest amount of stocks in food and beverages, selling away 229.1 billion won’s worth during the period. They also got rid of pharmaceuticals and non-metal ores. By individual listings, NHN Entertainment shares were sold the most, registering 497.8 billion won.

The benchmark index KOSPI has risen 5.97 percent in the second half of this year. (Yonhap News)