South Korean stocks traded slightly lower late Wednesday morning, dented by losses in telecom companies and foodmakers, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slid 1.53 points, or 0.08 percent to 1,828.82 as of 11:20 a.m.

Leading confectionery maker Orion fell more than 2 percent, with No. 2 mobile carrier KT Corp. dropping 1.4 percent.

Top-cap Samsung Electronics continued to move in positive terrain, rising 0.7 percent.

The local currency was changing hands at 1,139.05 won against the greenback, up 2.65 won from Tuesday’s close. (Yonhap News)