Seoul shares slightly up late Thursday morning

This photo shows a dealing room at Hana Bank in central Seoul on Thursday. Yonhap

Korean stocks traded slightly higher late Thursday morning as investors took a cautious approach to see the developments of the ongoing U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 13.81 points, or 0.56 percent, to 2,461.24 as of 11:20 a.m.

Investors are watching the U.S.-Japan trade talks, which are expected to give indications regarding upcoming negotiations with other allies, including South Korea.

Additionally, South Korea's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.75 percent, citing concerns over fluctuating foreign exchange rates and rising household debts amid uncertainty from U.S. tariff policies.

Major shares traded in mixed territory.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 0.55 percent and Hanmi Semiconductor, a leading chip manufacturing equipment supplier, jumped 6.65 percent.

No. 2 carmaker Kia increased 0.59 percent and defense firm KAI climbed 1.76 percent.

However, chip giant SK hynix stayed flat and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution lost 0.73 percent.

Nongshim, the country's leading instant noodle maker, dropped 0.61 percent and Shinhan Financial Group skidded 1.46 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,420.15 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., up 5.15 won from the previous session.