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Kospi opens lower amid Iran war uncertainty

Published: 03 Mar. 2026, 09:25 Updated: 03 Mar. 2026, 09:35

KIM MIN-YOUNG
[email protected]

A financial index screen in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on March 3 [YONHAP]

Korea’s benchmark Kospi and Kosdaq both opened lower Tuesday as markets weighed heightened uncertainty stemming from the Iran war.

The benchmark Kospi was trading at 6,103.68, dropping 2.25 percent, and Kosdaq was trading at 1,166.23, down 2.23 percent from the previous session as of 9:24 a.m.

The Kospi's decline was notably driven by net selling from foreign investors.

The United States and Israel conducted coordinated attacks on Iran over the weekend and killed Tehran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at a potentially prolonged operation.

In Seoul, most shares started in negative territory.

Chip giant Samsung Electronics dropped 3.93 percent, and its rival SK hynix decreased 3.68 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor lost 04.75 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution decreased 4.1 percent.

The won weakened 23.2 won from the previous session to trade at 1,462.95 won against the U.S. dollar at 9:15 a.m.

Updated, March. 3: Added details of shares and exchange rate.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG, YONHAP [[email protected]]