South Korean stocks opened almost flat Wednesday as investors sought after profit-taking amid the market's steep rise over the previous trading sessions, analysts said.

After opening higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved down 0.54 points, or 0.03 percent, to 1,993.52 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Tech shares lost ground, with Samsung Electronics falling 0.29 percent and its local rival LG Electronics moving down 0.27 percent. Flat panel maker LG Display shed 1.53 percent.

Carmakers traded mixed, with Hyundai Motor remaining unchanged while Kia Motors gained 0.29 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis shed 0.34 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,084.90 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 0.80 won from Tuesday's close. (Yonhap News)