South Korean stocks got off to a strong start Tuesday, buoyed by Wall Street gains overnight on signs that the world's No. 1 economy is improving as it starts earnings season, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 6.65 points, or 0.37 percent, to 1,823.50 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Top-listed companies were bullish, led by market heavyweight Samsung Electronics going up nearly 2 percent. Major banking group Shinhan Financial also gained 1 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,146.95 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 5.55 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)