Kospi hits new record to approach 6,700 as investors bet on chip demand

Just inches away from a new 6,700-point record, Seoul stocks closed at a fresh peak on Wednesday, a mere 9.1 points shy as investors bet chip demand will remain solid amid woes over the AI boom.

2026-04-29

Kospi closes at fresh record above 6,400 on corporate earnings outlook

Korean stocks rose to a fresh record high on Wednesday, settling above the 6,400 level, as sound corporate earnings outlook outshone lingering uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran peace talks. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

2026-04-22

Won-based export settlements hit record high in 2025: BOK

The proportion of Korean exports settled in local currency reached an all-time high in 2025, driven by rising exports of items that typically have higher won-based settlement shares, central bank data showed Thursday.

2026-04-16

BOK governor nominee says won's weakness not a 'crisis' given Korea's large foreign reserves

Shin Hyun-song, the Bank of Korea governor nominee, said Monday that authorities stand ready to respond to excessive foreign exchange volatility if needed, though he added that the won's recent weakness does not signal a crisis.

2026-04-13

Won weakens against dollar as failed U.S.-Iran talks result in Trump order to block Strait of Hormuz

The Korean won weakened markedly against the dollar Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz after high-stakes peace talks with Iran failed to make a breakthrough.

2026-04-13

Kospi opens higher due to optimism regarding upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations over cease-fire deal

Seoul shares opened higher on Friday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, as investors remained optimistic over the upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations following a two-week cease-fire deal.

2026-04-10

Won hits strongest level in a month following cease-fire agreement in Iran war

The won strengthened sharply against the dollar on Wednesday as the United States and Iran agreed upon a two-week cease-fire in their monthlong conflict.

2026-04-08

Travelers turn to domestic vacations as Iran war raises airfares

Travelers are turning to domestic destinations as the Iran war hikes airfares and continuously shakes the dollar-won exchange rate.

2026-04-08

Korea drops out of foreign exchange reserves top 10, first time since 2000

Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell out of the world’s top 10 for the first time since 2000, as authorities tapped reserves to defend the won amid a prolonged period of dollar strength.

2026-04-03

Kospi opens higher amid hopes for Strait of Hormuz reopening

Shares opened higher Friday, rebounding from sharp losses the previous session, as investors had guarded hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.