South Korean stocks began higher on Tuesday as key exporters returned to positive territory after recent losses, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 7.55 points, or 0.39 percent, to 1,947.26 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 1.38 percent, poised to stem a four-session losing streak, while top automaker Hyundai Motor gained 1.26 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,088.6 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 4.9 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)