Korean shares remained in negative terrain late Tuesday morning as investors sought to lock in early gains.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 5.96 points, or 0.30 percent, to hit 1,989.34 as of 11:20 a.m. Institutions and foreign investors were net sellers, offloading a combined net 127 billion won ($110 million).

On Monday, the KOSPI advanced 0.03 percent, further recovering from losses sparked by Britain's vote to leave the European Union two weeks ago. Last week, the index had gained 3.19 percent.

Large market caps traded mixed. Top cap Samsung Electronics advanced 0.34 percent, while leading automaker Hyundai Motor plunged 1.09 percent.

Top portal operator Naver spiked 2.89 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,153.75 won against the U.S. dollar, down 6.85 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)