South Korean stocks traded 0.18 percent higher late Friday morning following gains in carmakers and retailers, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) edged up 3.39 points to 1,913.00 as of 11:20 a.m.

Carmakers led the market gain, with No. 1 player Hyundai Motor adding 0.67 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors climbing 1.32 percent. Samsung Heavy Industries, a major shipbuilder, advanced 2.17 percent.

Retailers also traded lower, with Lotte Shopping increasing 0.86 percent and Samsung C&T, a major local trading company, adding 0.91 percent. Discount store chain E-Mart gained 1.23 percent.

The local currency was changing hands at 1,111.25 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 4.85 won from Thursday's close.