Why did Seoul stocks rise on Monday morning?

Major chipmakers lifted the broader market after U.S. semiconductor shares rallied Friday. The positive cue outweighed worries over Middle East tensions and elevated oil prices.

What were the main market moves in Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hyundai Motor, and LG Energy Solution?

Samsung Electronics rose 4.21 percent and SK hynix advanced 0.78 percent. Hyundai Motor fell 1.1 percent, and LG Energy Solution dropped 3.16 percent.

What was the KOSPI level and the won-dollar rate late Monday morning?

The KOSPI stood at 7,000.88, up 106.65 points, or 1.55 percent, at 11:20 a.m. The won was quoted at 1,386.0 against the U.S. dollar at 11:12 a.m., down 0.5 won from the previous session.

Seoul stocks up 1.5% late Monday morning as chipmakers advance

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Summary

Seoul stocks were higher late Monday morning, with the KOSPI up 1.55 percent as chipmakers led gains in the broader market. Samsung Electronics rose 4.21 percent and SK hynix gained 0.78 percent, while Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution fell. The won traded at 1,386.0 against the U.S. dollar. Elevated oil prices and Middle East tensions remained a concern.

Key Facts

The KOSPI added 106.65 points to 7,000.88 as of 11:20 a.m. Monday.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 2.78 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.39 percent and the S&P 500 edged up 0.17 percent on Friday.
Brent crude traded at around US$104.68 a barrel amid persistent inflationary and geopolitical risks in the Middle East.
Samsung Electronics jumped 4.21 percent and SK hynix gained 0.78 percent, while Hyundai Motor fell 1.1 percent and LG Energy Solution shed 3.16 percent.
The Korean won was quoted at 1,386.0 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:12 a.m., down 0.5 won from the previous stock trading session.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 21, 2026 9:19 am KST
Updated Sep 21, 2026 11:36 am KST

The benchmark KOSPI index is displayed on a screen at a dealing room of Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks were trading higher late Monday morning as gains in major chipmakers lifted the broader market, offsetting concerns over Middle East tensions and elevated oil prices.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 106.65 points, or 1.55 percent, to 7,000.88 as of 11:20 a.m.

U.S. semiconductor shares rallied Friday, providing a positive cue for major Korean chipmakers.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 2.78 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.39 percent and the S&P 500 edged up 0.17 percent.

Elevated crude oil prices remained a concern amid persistent inflationary and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Brent crude traded at around US$104.68 a barrel.

Market heavyweights were mixed.

Top market cap Samsung Electronics jumped 4.21 percent, and chip giant SK hynix gained 0.78 percent.

In contrast, leading automaker Hyundai Motor fell 1.1 percent, while battery maker LG Energy Solution shed 3.16 percent.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,386.0 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:12 a.m., down 0.5 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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