Why did the KOSPI fall despite opening higher on Thursday?

The KOSPI reversed its initial gain as elevated oil prices intensified inflation concerns. Investors were also wary that the U.S. Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates this year to control inflation.

Which major Korean stocks gained and lost during Thursday morning trading?

Samsung Electronics fell 0.19 percent, Hyundai Motor declined 2.53 percent, Hanwha Aerospace dropped 3.5 percent and HMM shed 2.34 percent. SK hynix gained 0.75 percent and Samsung SDI climbed 3.2 percent.

What were the KOSPI level and Korean won exchange rate at 9:15 a.m.?

At 9:15 a.m., the KOSPI was down 53.32 points, or 0.78 percent, at 6,750.58. The Korean won was trading at 1,337.80 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.2 won from the previous session’s close.

Seoul shares turn lower after opening up amid inflation worries

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Summary

The KOSPI turned lower in Seoul on Thursday after opening 0.07 percent higher, as elevated oil prices stoked inflation worries. The index fell 53.32 points, or 0.78 percent, to 6,750.58 as of 9:15 a.m. Large-cap stocks were mixed, while investors remained concerned that the U.S. Federal Reserve may raise rates this year to tame inflation.

Key Facts

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.66 percent overnight, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.22 percent.
Hyundai Motor dropped 2.53 percent, Hanwha Aerospace fell 3.5 percent and HMM declined 2.34 percent.
SK hynix rose 0.75 percent, while Samsung SDI climbed 3.2 percent.
The Korean won traded at 1,337.80 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.2 won from the previous session’s close.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 8, 2026 9:29 am KST
Updated Oct 8, 2026 9:49 am KST

A stock ticker at Hana Bank headquarters in central Seoul shows the won-dollar exchange rate and the benchmark KOSPI, Thursday. Yonhap

Seoul shares turned lower after opening up Thursday, largely due to inflation worries stoked by elevated oil prices.

After opening 0.07 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost ground, trading down 53.32 points, or 0.78 percent, to 6,750.58 as of 9:15 a.m.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.66 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.22 percent.

Investors remain wary as higher oil prices are adding to inflationary pressures, and the U.S. Federal Reserve has signaled it may need to raise rates this year to tame inflation.

In Seoul, large-cap stocks were mixed.

Market behemoth Samsung Electronics fell 0.19 percent, and top carmaker Hyundai Motor declined 2.53 percent.

Defense giant Hanwha Aerospace dropped 3.5 percent, and shipping firm HMM shed 2.34 percent.

Among gainers, chip giant SK hynix rose 0.75 percent, and battery maker Samsung SDI climbed 3.2 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,337.80 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.2 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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