South Korea Stock Market Today: South Korea’s stock market extended its remarkable rally on June 18, 2026, with the benchmark KOSPI index climbing to a new record high as investors embraced improving global risk sentiment, easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and renewed confidence in artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor demand. The Korea Exchange (KRX), which operates from 05:30 AM to 11:50 AM (IST), witnessed strong buying across large-cap technology and export-oriented stocks.
The latest surge comes amid growing optimism that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could reduce energy supply disruptions and ease inflationary pressures worldwide while semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix once again led the advance, highlighting the central role of AI-related investments in South Korea’s market resurgence.
South Korea Stock Market Update Today (18 June, 2026)
The Korean equity market traded firmly in positive territory throughout Thursday’s session. Investor confidence was supported by falling crude oil prices, improving global market sentiment and expectations that easing geopolitical tensions could stabilize global supply chains.
The KOSPI gained nearly 1.8%, while the KOSPI 200 advanced more than 2.4% however, profit-taking pressure remained visible in smaller technology shares and causing the KOSDAQ index to underperform.
South Korea Stock Market Performance, June 18, 2026
| Index | Last Price | Change | Change % |
| KOSPI | 9,023.31 | +159.07 | +1.79% |
| KOSPI 50 | 11,237.82 | +326.14 | +2.99% |
| KOSPI 200 | 1,451.39 | +34.42 | +2.43% |
| KRX 100 | 22,941.90 | +473.70 | +2.11% |
| KOSPI 100 | 11,377.91 | +283.80 | +2.56% |
| KOSDAQ | 998.02 | -33.94 | -3.29% |
| KQ 100 | 2,565.41 | -90.93 | -3.42% |
KOSPI Index Today
The benchmark KOSPI closed near a historic high after touching an intraday record of 9,023.31 while the index has now delivered one of the strongest performances among major global stock markets over the past year.
KOSPI Index Today Market Snapshot
- Last Price: 9,023.31
- Daily Gain: 1.79%
- Day High: 9,023.31
- Day Low: 8,867.34
- Volume: 337,417
- 52-Week High: 9,023.31
- 52-Week Low: 2,954.47
- YTD Return: 114.13%
- One-Year Return: 203.61%
KOSPI 200 Index Today
The KOSPI 200, which tracks South Korea’s largest and most liquid companies, posted another strong session driven by institutional and foreign buying.
KOSPI 200 Index Today Market Snapshot
- Last Price: 1,451.39
- Daily Change: +34.42 points
- Gain: +2.43%
- Day High: 1,451.45
- Day Low: 1,420.95
- Semiconductor stocks dominated gains
- Foreign investor participation improved significantly
KOSDAQ Index Today
The technology-focused KOSDAQ index lagged the broader market as investors rotated into large-cap blue-chip stocks.
KOSDAQ Index Today Market Snapshot
- Last Price: 998.02
- Daily Loss: -33.94 points
- Change: -3.29%
- Day High: 1,031.54
- Day Low: 997.95
- Small-cap technology shares under pressure
- Profit booking visible across growth stocks
What is Happening in the South Korea Stock Market Today?
- Semiconductor shares continue to attract strong buying interest.
- Investors welcomed signs of easing Middle East tensions.
- Falling oil prices reduced inflation concerns.
- Foreign institutional inflows strengthened market momentum.
- AI-related investment themes remain dominant.
- Strong export outlook supports Korean manufacturers.
- Retail participation remains exceptionally high.
- KOSPI reached a fresh record high during trading.
Top 10 Undervalued South Korea Stocks Based on Cash Flow Analysis
- Woori Financial Group
- KB Financial Group
- Hana Financial Group
- POSCO Holdings
- Hyundai Motor
- Kia Corporation
- Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance
- KT Corporation
- SK Telecom
- LG Uplus
These companies continue to exhibit healthy operating cash flows relative to market valuations, making them attractive for long-term value-focused investors.
Gold Prices in South Korea (KRW)
| Gold Type | Price |
| 24K Gold (1 Gram) | ₩207,881 |
| 24K Gold (10 Grams) | ₩2,078,814 |
| 24K Gold (1 Kilogram) | ₩207,881,376 |
| 22K Gold (1 Gram) | ~₩195,000 |
| 18K Gold (1 Gram) | ~₩159,300 |
Silver Prices in South Korea (KRW)
| Silver Type | Price |
| Silver per Gram | ₩3,156 |
| Sterling Silver (925) per Gram | ₩2,845 – ₩3,130 |
| Silver per Troy Ounce | ₩95,681 – ₩105,249 |
| Silver per Kilogram | ₩3,076,000 – ₩3,384,000 |
Why are Korean Stocks UP Today?
Despite today’s gains, Korean equities recently experienced significant volatility while several factors contributed to earlier declines:
- Strong gains in semiconductor leaders such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics.
- Falling crude oil prices after progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Global technology stock correction.
- Concerns over higher US interest rates.
- Rising Treasury yields.
- Profit-taking after a massive AI-driven rally.
- Margin-call driven selling pressure.
- Heavy dependence on semiconductor companies.
- Foreign capital outflows during risk-off periods.
The concentration of market capitalization in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix means that weakness in semiconductor stocks can trigger broad-based market declines.
South Korean Shares Gain on Hormuz Reopening
A major catalyst behind today’s rally was optimism surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while investors interpreted the diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran as a positive step toward restoring stability in global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices fell sharply, reducing fears of inflationary pressures and improving sentiment toward risk assets while lower energy costs are particularly beneficial for South Korea, a major importer of crude oil and industrial commodities. As a result, exporters, manufacturers and transportation companies all benefited from improved outlooks.
Top Gainers Today in Korea Exchange (KRX) – South Korea Stock Market
- SK Hynix (+3.45%)
- Samsung Electronics (+1.23%)
- SK Square
- Hanwha Aerospace
- Kia Corporation
- Hyundai Motor
- LG Energy Solution
- Doosan Enerbility
- POSCO Holdings
- Samsung SDI
Top Losers Today in Korea Exchange (KRX) – South Korea Stock Market
- Small-cap KOSDAQ technology shares
- Biotechnology stocks
- Select software companies
- Mid-cap growth stocks
- Speculative AI-related firms facing profit booking
- Secondary battery suppliers
- Venture capital-linked equities
- Small semiconductor component manufacturers
What Investors Should Know
- KOSPI remains one of the world’s best-performing major indexes in 2026.
- Semiconductor demand continues to drive market performance.
- AI infrastructure spending remains a critical growth theme.
- Geopolitical developments will influence market volatility.
- Oil prices remain a key variable for Korean equities.
- Foreign investment flows are improving.
- Retail investor participation continues to expand rapidly.
- South Korea now has more than 14.5 million stock investors.
- Active trading accounts have surpassed 105 million.
- Long-term investors should focus on earnings growth rather than short-term market swings.
South Korea’s stock market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite recent volatility with the KOSPI touching fresh record highs, semiconductor giants benefiting from the AI revolution and geopolitical risks showing signs of easing, investor confidence has returned strongly to Korean equities while challenges remain, particularly regarding global interest rates and technology sector valuations, the broader outlook for South Korean stocks remains constructive as the country strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading technology-driven economies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
