South Korean stocks edged down 0.25 percent in late Friday morning, while the top market cap Samsung Electronics continued to rally.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 5.10 points to 2,050.37 as of 11:20 a.m.

Foreigners and institutional investors were net-sellers, apparently seeking to lock in their recent gains, but individuals scooped up shares.

Samsung Electronics Co. gained 1.04 percent to a fresh record high of 1.657,000 won ($1,490), as its Galaxy Note 7 phablet went on sale.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor was down 0.38 percent and global chipmaker SK hynix advanced 2.05 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,116.95 won against the US dollar, down 9.75 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)