South Korea’s stock market traded lower on June 29 as geopolitical tensions, a stronger US dollar and weakness in semiconductor giants dragged the KOSPI lower. Investors are balancing short-term volatility against strong long-term technology and AI growth prospects.
Traders monitor the KOSPI index as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix lead declines amid renewed global market uncertainty.
South Korea Stock Market Today: South Korea’s equity market commenced its trading week under the influence of a huge selling momentum triggered by a combination of geopolitical concerns, strength in the US dollar and the unwinding of profits from large cap tech stocks. The KOSPI index dipped below the 8,300 mark in today’s trading amid continuing losses following Friday’s steep decline. Declines in tech giants such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix weighed down the overall indexes, even though there were hopes of government support for semiconductor and AI sectors of the economy.
Sentiments around the world were equally cautious following the tensions that arose once again between the US and Iran, resulting in anxiety regarding the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices being high, inflation worries and uncertainty regarding the rate of interest in the US had led to investors in Asia taking steps to lower risk exposure.
South Korea Stock Market Update Today (29 June 2026)
South Korean stocks continued to be under pressure during the morning trading session as traders opted for defensive strategies while the Korea Exchange (KRX), which operates from 5:30 am to 11:50 am IST, saw selling in technology, automotive, and industrial stocks.
The shares of Samsung Electronics fell by over 4%, while those of SK hynix went down more than 3%. Shares of other big players like SK Square, SK Inc, Hyundai Mobis and LG Energy Solutions were down as well. Despite the optimism surrounding the release of an investment roadmap for semiconductors by the government, risks took precedence.
South Korea Stock Market Performance (29 June 2026)
| Index | Last | Change | % Change |
| KOSPI | 8,286.99 | -124.22 | -1.48% |
| KOSPI 200 | 1,337.89 | -28.60 | -2.09% |
| KOSPI 50 | 10,420.50 | -258.30 | -2.42% |
| KRX 100 | 21,297.05 | -459.62 | -2.11% |
| KOSDAQ | 910.90 | +59.53 | +6.99% |
KOSPI Index Today
Benchmark KOSPI was the worst performing among other Asian stock markets since it declined below the 8,300 mark while the investors kept cashing in their gains after an astounding increase in the KOSPI index by nearly 97%.
KOSPI Index Today Market Snapshot
- Current Level: 8,286.99
- Opening: 8,334.28
- Day High: 8,377.33
- Day Low: 8,127.99
- Previous Close: 8,411.21
- 52-week High: 9,385.59
- 52-week Low: 3,032.47
- Five-day Return: -8.24%
- One-month Return: +1.49%
- Three-month Return: +52.73%
- Year-to-date Return: +97.12%
- One-year Return: +171.83%
KOSPI 200 Index Today
The KOSPI 200 index lost 2.09% on account of widespread selling in the semiconductor and financial sectors while the institutional players maintained a cautious stance amid high volatility for a few sessions.
KOSPI 200 Market Snapshot
- Last: 1,337.89
- Change: -28.60 points
- Percentage Change: -2.09%
- Technology stocks remained the biggest drag.
- Semiconductor shares accounted for most of the decline.
- Institutional selling outweighed retail buying.
KOSDAQ Index Today
Unlike the broader market, the technology-heavy KOSDAQ outperformed with a strong gain of nearly 7%, reflecting renewed buying interest in mid-cap growth companies and biotech firms.
KOSDAQ Market Snapshot
- Last: 910.90
- Gain: 59.53 points
- Percentage Gain: 6.99%
- Growth stocks outperformed blue-chip shares.
- Small-cap technology companies attracted fresh inflows.
- Investor appetite shifted toward higher-growth sectors.
What is Happening in the South Korea Stock Market Today?
- KOSPI extended Friday’s losses.
- Samsung Electronics dropped over 4%.
- SK hynix declined more than 3%.
- Oil prices rose following renewed Middle East tensions.
- Investors monitored developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Foreign investors continued reducing Korean equity exposure.
- Semiconductor investment announcements provided limited support.
- Profit booking intensified after recent record highs.
- Market volatility remained elevated.
- Strong US dollar continued weighing on the Korean won.
Top 10 Undervalued South Korea Stocks Based on Cash Flow Analysis
- POSCO Holdings
- KB Financial Group
- Shinhan Financial Group
- Hana Financial Group
- Hyundai Motor
- Kia Corporation
- LG Corporation
- Samsung C&T
- KT Corporation
- SK Telecom
Gold Prices in South Korea (KRW)
| Gold Type | Price |
| Gold per Ounce | KRW 6,269,064.71 |
| Gold per Gram | KRW 201,554.96 |
| Gold per Kilogram | KRW 201,554,960.37 |
| 24K Gold per Gram | KRW 201,677 |
| 22K Gold per Gram | KRW 184,871 |
Silver Prices in South Korea (KRW)
| Period | Performance |
| Today | -0.93% |
| 30 Days | -19.81% |
| 6 Months | -18.84% |
| 1 Year | +85.43% |
| 5 Years | +209.15% |
Why Are Korean Stocks Down?
There were several reasons why the South Korean stocks suffered while first, the tensions between the US and Iran drove up the oil prices and dampened investor sentiments. The higher oil prices raised fears of rising inflation and thus delayed any monetary easing from the central banks.
Tech stocks were under pressure, too, with concerns over high valuation levels of semiconductor shares due to months of gains. There were sharp falls in companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and their affiliates while foreign investors kept up selling and net sales amounted to about 136.7 trillion won this year. Stronger US dollars depreciated the Korean won, and the second-quarter average exchange rate was over 1,500 won against a US dollar for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis.
South Korean Shares Gain on Hormuz Reopening
However, despite the early fears in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, there is hope that uninterrupted passage through this very crucial energy corridor in the world may help stabilize the prices of oil in the coming weeks. Better supply of energy will help relieve the pressure on the inflation levels, and will be beneficial for the manufacturing sector.
Top Gainers Today in Korea Exchange (KRX)
- KOSDAQ technology companies
- Biotechnology shares
- Selected software firms
- Small-cap semiconductor suppliers
- Healthcare equipment manufacturers
Top Losers Today in Korea Exchange (KRX)
- Samsung Electronics
- SK hynix
- SK Square
- SK Inc.
- Hyundai Mobis
- LG Energy Solution
- Hanwha Aerospace
- Hyundai Motor
- Doosan Enerbility
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
What Investors Should Know
- Market volatility remains elevated.
- Semiconductor stocks continue driving overall market direction.
- Foreign capital flows remain a major influence on the Korean won.
- Rising oil prices could increase inflation risks.
- Government AI and semiconductor investment plans may provide long-term support.
- Strong broker earnings indicate healthy trading activity.
- Daily trading value remains above 50 trillion won.
- Investors should closely monitor US monetary policy and geopolitical developments.
- Diversification remains essential amid heightened market uncertainty.
- Long-term fundamentals of South Korea’s technology sector remain intact despite short-term volatility.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
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