South Korean stocks opened higher Thursday as investors' sentiment was boosted by reports that the U.S.-led military action against Syria will be limited to 60 days, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved up 7.63 points, or 0.39 percent, to 1,940.66 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Carmakers also traded higher, with Hyundai Motor rising 0.62 percent and its auto parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis gaining 1.26 percent. Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries added 0.64 percent.

Tech shares traded mixed, with market behemoth Samsung Electronics advancing 1.72 percent while leading chipmaker SK hynix lost 4.01 percent. Flat panel maker LG Display shed 1.04 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,091.10 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 3.40 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)