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  • Economy

    Seoul stocks, won hammered by massive foreign selling

    Seoul stocks plunged Friday as a prolonged foreign sell-off collided with a sharp downturn in global semiconductor shares, sending the benchmark KOSPI down more than 5 percent to below the 8,200 level. The sustained foreign investor exodus also continued to weigh on the Korean won. In Seoul’s onshore foreign exchange market, the won closed at 1,539.1 per dollar, down 9.4 won from the previous session. During intraday trading, it briefly approached the 1,550 level, its weakest since March 2009, during the global financial crisis. The won has now traded above the 1,500 per dollar threshold for 14 consecutive sessions. KOSPI opened at 8,323.20, down 3.66 percent from the previous session, according to the Korea Exchange. Heavy selling pressure persisted throughout the day, prompting the year’s 10th sidecar shortly after the opening bell — a market safeguard that temporarily suspends program trading during periods of extreme volatility. The index ultimately closed at 8,160.59, down 5.54 percent. Foreign and institutional investors drove the decline, selling a net 3.52 trillion won and

    2 MIN READBy Park Han-sol
    Seoul stocks, won hammered by massive foreign selling
  • Economy

    Korea diversifying LNG imports to ease Middle East dependence: KOGAS chief

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea diversifying LNG imports to ease Middle East dependence: KOGAS chief
  • Economy

    Korea's currency tumbles to 17-year low on foreign stock selloff

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea's currency tumbles to 17-year low on foreign stock selloff
  • Economy

    Gov't vows to lower barriers for foreign investors with 24-hour FX market

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Gov't vows to lower barriers for foreign investors with 24-hour FX market
  • Economy

    KRX issues sell-side sidecar for KOSPI on sharp fall

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    KRX issues sell-side sidecar for KOSPI on sharp fall
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Economy

Korea logs largest current account surplus for November: BOK

Korea posted its largest-ever current account surplus for any November, supported by strong exports amid an upcycle in the semiconductor industry, central bank data showed Friday. The country's current account surplus totaled $12.24 billion in November, up sharply from $6.81 billion a month earlier, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). It marked the highest level for any November since the BOK began compiling relevant data in 1980. Korea has recorded a current account surplus every month since May 2023, marking the second-longest surplus streak on record. During the first 11 months of last year, the cumulative surplus totaled $101.82 billion, compared with $86.68 billion during the same period in 2024, marking the largest amount ever recorded for the cited period, the BOK said. The goods account posted a surplus of $13.31 billion in November, up from $7.82 billion a month earlier, as exports rose 5.5 percent on-year to $60.11 billion. Chip exports jumped 38.7 percent from a year earlier, while vehicle shipments increased 10.9 percent. Imports edged down 0.7 percent on-year to

Jan 9, 2026By Yonhap
Korea logs largest current account surplus for November: BOK
Economy

Foreigners scoop up Korean stocks in December

Foreign investors became net buyers of South Korean stocks in December, data showed Friday. Offshore investors bought a net 1.52 trillion won ($1.05 billion) worth of local stocks last month, following a net selling of 1.33 trillion won the previous month, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). Following their net buying in December, offshore investors owned 1,326.8 trillion won worth of local stocks, or 30.8 percent of total market capitalization. By country, investors from France were the top buyers in December, net buying 1 trillion won worth of shares, followed by those from Britain, who net purchased 0.8 trillion won, according to the data. In the local bond market, foreign investors purchased a net 17.53 trillion won worth of local bonds last month. Their holdings of local bonds stood at 328.5 trillion won as of end-December, accounting for 11.9 percent of listed bonds here, the data showed.

Jan 9, 2026By Yonhap
Foreigners scoop up Korean stocks in December
Economy

Investors bet on dollar's long-term strength, despite won's recent gain

Kim So-young, a 35-year-old Seoul resident, said she decided to convert some of her savings into U.S. dollars. “I’ve been watching the won’s value relative to the U.S. dollar closely for weeks,” she said, adding that she saw an opportunity when the won gained briefly at the end of last month, following a government intervention. “I decided to buy U.S. dollars before the won weakens again. I think the Korean currency is likely to lose ground in the coming months, earning me money. Many could say it’s speculation, but I think this is a sound investment choice in light of market volatility," Kim said. She said she knew it was right the right move after watching a news report about a Hana Bank branch in Gangnam, southern Seoul, that ran out of $100 bills on Dec. 24. The branch made headlines after it posted a notice informing customers that U.S. currency was unavailable. “Many, like me, must have believed that the strong demand for dollars would continue and that any gain in the Korean won would be short-lived," she said. She is among many investors putting their holdings of the

Jan 8, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Investors bet on dollar's long-term strength, despite won's recent gain
Others

Tech-driven listings fuel expectations for IPO upcycle in Korea

Korea’s initial public offering (IPO) market is expected to see a revival in the early months of this year, driven by technology-focused growth sectors such as robotics, biotechnology and medical devices, securities industry officials said Thursday. Analysts said the IPO market is entering an upcycle, coinciding with a KOSPI rally and a spillover effect from regulatory reforms introduced in the second half of last year. Those reforms delayed some listings, which are now expected to be concentrated in this year. In December, six companies, including Cosmo Robotics, Inventera and MEZOO, received approval from the Korea Exchange for preliminary listing reviews. These firms are now coordinating key details such as deal structures, target price bands and demand forecast schedules with their underwriters, with the filing of securities registration statements expected to begin as early as February. The companies that cleared the preliminary review are notable for their differentiated technologies and business strengths. Cosmo Robotics specializes in autonomous robots and robot control system

Jan 8, 2026By Jun Ji-hye
Tech-driven listings fuel expectations for IPO upcycle in Korea
Economy

Economy showing gradual industrial recovery despite weakness in construction: KDI

The Korean economy is showing a gradual recovery in industrial production, led by stronger consumption, despite continued weakness in the construction sector, a state-run think tank said Thursday. "Although the construction sector remains sluggish and manufacturing has undergone some adjustments, improvements in consumption are supporting a moderate increase in production," the Korea Development Institute (KDI) said in its monthly economic assessment. In November, industrial output rose 0.9 percent from the previous month, driven largely by robust semiconductor production. Exports expanded 13.4 percent from a year earlier in December, reaching US$69.6 billion and marking the 11th consecutive month of growth. The KDI noted that while semiconductor-related exports remain high amid favorable market conditions, the increase largely reflects price surges, while the previous strong growth in the broader production sector has moderated. "Production outside the semiconductor sector continued to rise modestly, keeping the business sentiment index for manufacturing firms at a low level," the KDI a

Jan 8, 2026By Yonhap
Economy showing gradual industrial recovery despite weakness in construction: KDI
Economy

Trade minister vows efforts to achieve $700 bil. in exports again in 2026

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Thursday vowed utmost efforts to keep South Korea's yearly exports over the $700 billion mark for the second consecutive year in 2026 despite global trade uncertainties, Yeo's office said. "In 2025, Korea's exports surpassed the $700 billion mark for the first time, overturning an initial gloomy outlook at the beginning of the year," Yeo said in a meeting held to assess risks and opportunities surrounding exports in 2026, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Last year, Korea's exports reached an all-time high of $709.7 billion, led by robust performance of key export items, such as semiconductors, automobiles and ships, as well as the growth of smaller industries, including agro-fisheries and cosmetics. Yeo attributed the feat to the restoration of trust in the Korean market following the launch of the administration of President Lee Jae Myung, and the bilateral trade deal between Seoul and Washington, vowing continued efforts to boost exports. The government will work to diversify export items and destinations to respond to trade prot

Jan 8, 2026By Yonhap
Trade minister vows efforts to achieve $700 bil. in exports again in 2026
Economy

Gov't discusses response to EU's carbon tax policy with steel industry

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources held a meeting with the steel industry Thursday to discuss response measures to the European Union's (EU) carbon tax policy launched this year, officials said. The EU officially began implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Jan. 1 to levy tax on carbon-intensive goods imported to the region, such as steel, aluminum, cement and fertilizers. Starting in 2028, the EU plans to expand its carbon border levy to other items, including auto parts, refrigerators and washing machines. In Thursday's meeting, major steelmakers here said they have preemptively devised response measures to ensure smooth compliance with the CBAM, noting they can receive carbon emission verification through domestic institutions recognized by the EU. But they asked the government to continue efforts to further ease uncertainties related to the EU's new policy as it is expected to keep evolving. "As the EU plans to pursue additional law revisions (for CBAM) by the end of this year, we will use this opportunity to continue consultations with the EU t

Jan 8, 2026By Yonhap
Gov't discusses response to EU's carbon tax policy with steel industry
Economy

Financial authorities say Korean won's sharp weakness eased, yet volatility remains

Top financial authorities said Thursday excessive depreciation of the Korean won has eased somewhat since the end of last year, but the country's foreign exchange market continues to show high volatility. In a meeting on the financial market, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said authorities would continue to implement follow-up stabilization measures on the foreign exchange market promptly, following a series of actions taken in late December. The meeting was also attended by Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, Financial Supervisory Service Gov. Lee Chan-jin and Financial Services Commission vice chief Kwon Dae-young, according to the finance ministry. In late December, foreign exchange authorities warned against the won's recent excessive weakness and pledged strong policy execution to stabilize the foreign exchange market. "Participants agreed that, given the current exchange rate is disconnected from fundamentals, it is important for authorities to maintain firm and consistent policy efforts," the ministry said in a press release. On Dec. 24, foreign exchange authorities said an excessi

Jan 8, 2026By Yonhap
Financial authorities say Korean won's sharp weakness eased, yet volatility remains
Economy

Banking groups unveil $48.3 bil. inclusive finance initiative

The country's top banking groups will implement 70 trillion won ($48.3 billion) worth of so-called inclusive finance schemes for the underprivileged, small merchants and those facing finance access difficulties, officials said Thursday. According to the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the five banking groups — KB, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and Nonghyup — will launch their inclusive finance programs over the next five years. KB Financial Group plans to provide 17 trillion won worth of inclusive finances by 2030, which breaks down to 10.5 trillion won for the underprivileged and 6.5 trillion won for the self-employed. KB will also support those who want to refinance their high-interest loans at lower rates and support financial weak borrowers. Hana Financial Group will implement 16 trillion won worth of similar schemes over the next five years, followed by Nonghyup Financial Group with 15 trillion won, Shinhan Financial Group with 14.5 trillion won and Woori Financial Group with 7 trillion won, according to the FSC.

Jan 8, 2026By Yonhap
Banking groups unveil $48.3 bil. inclusive finance initiative
Economy

Korean economy to improve in 2026 on chip boom: rating agency

Korea's economy is expected to improve this year, driven by a boom in the chip sector, yet persistent discrepancies across industries will remain a concern, a local credit rating agency said Wednesday. "The country's economic growth is set to recover to 1.8 percent this year," Korea Investors Service Inc. (KIS) said in a web seminar on the agency's outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy. "Business conditions will vary between industries, while the economy's heavy reliance on a few favorable sectors, particularly semiconductors, will continue," the agency added. KIS predicted Korea's export growth to slow in 2026, as the impact of U.S. import tariffs begin to take full effect. But a continued semiconductor boom, the government's monetary easing policy and a recovery in local demand will remain positive factors to the local economy, it added. The semiconductor sector, along with the defense and shipbuilding industries, will likely enjoy positive prospects this year, according to KIS. The petrochemical, construction and retail sectors, as well as the steel, duty-free retail and secondary b

Jan 7, 2026By Yonhap
Korean economy to improve in 2026 on chip boom: rating agency
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