The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.11% to close at a fresh record high of 7,498 on Friday, extending its winning streak to a fourth straight session, as gains in AI-related chip stocks continued to support investor sentiment. The index opened lower amid risk aversion across Asian markets on news of renewed US-Iran tensions, but sentiment later stabilized after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remained in effect. Large-cap performance was mixed, with SK Hynix (1.93%), Hyundai Motor Company (7.17%), and Kia Corporation (4.38%) posting gains, while Samsung Electronics (-1.10%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.99%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.05%) declined. Optimism surrounding Korea’s AI and semiconductor outlook continued to underpin the market, following strong earnings momentum and robust export demand tied to the global AI boom. Additional support came after South Korea posted a record current account surplus in March, driven by a sharp surge in semiconductor exports.

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, rose to 7498 points on May 8, 2026, gaining 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 29.77% and is up 190.93% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from South Korea. Historically, the South Korea Stock Market reached an all time high of 7531.88 in May of 2026. South Korea Stock Market - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 8 of 2026.

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, rose to 7498 points on May 8, 2026, gaining 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 29.77% and is up 190.93% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from South Korea. The South Korea Stock Market is expected to trade at 6350.56 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 5209.15 in 12 months time.



Indexes Price Day Month Year Date
KOSPI 7,498.00 7.95 0.11% 29.77% 190.93% May/08



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
South Korea Inflation Rate 2.60 2.20 percent Apr 2026
South Korea Interest Rate 2.50 2.50 percent Apr 2026
South Korea Unemployment Rate 2.70 2.90 percent Mar 2026

South Korea Stock Market
The Korea Stock Exchange Composite KOSPI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all common shares listed on the Korean Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted index. The KOSPI Index has a base value of 100 as of January 4, 1980. The KOSPI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of large companies based in South Korea. The prices displayed in Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC) and contract for difference (CFD) financial instruments. Please visit https://global.krx.co.kr/ for official data and contact https://english.koscom.co.kr if you need to have a market data license.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
7498.00 7490.05 7531.88 115.25 1983 - 2026 points Daily

Market Data Coverage: South Korea

News Stream
South Korean Shares Set New Record
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.11% to close at a fresh record high of 7,498 on Friday, extending its winning streak to a fourth straight session, as gains in AI-related chip stocks continued to support investor sentiment. The index opened lower amid risk aversion across Asian markets on news of renewed US-Iran tensions, but sentiment later stabilized after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remained in effect. Large-cap performance was mixed, with SK Hynix (1.93%), Hyundai Motor Company (7.17%), and Kia Corporation (4.38%) posting gains, while Samsung Electronics (-1.10%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.99%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.05%) declined. Optimism surrounding Korea’s AI and semiconductor outlook continued to underpin the market, following strong earnings momentum and robust export demand tied to the global AI boom. Additional support came after South Korea posted a record current account surplus in March, driven by a sharp surge in semiconductor exports.
2026-05-08
South Korean Shares Pause Record Rally
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.7% to around 7,440 on Friday, pausing after a record-setting run, as renewed US-Iran tensions triggered profit-taking. Investor sentiment weakened after the US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies. The escalation pushed Brent crude prices back above $100 per barrel and fueled broader risk aversion across Asian markets. Technology shares led the decline, with heavyweight chipmakers Samsung Electronics (-2.0%) and SK Hynix (-0.3%) retreating, alongside LG Energy Solution (-2.2%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.7%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.1%). Still, losses were partly capped by continued optimism over Korea’s AI and semiconductor outlook, with the index up over 12% this week for its strongest weekly gain since 2008. Additional support came as South Korea posted a record current account surplus of $37.33 billion in March, driven by a sharp surge in semiconductor exports.
2026-05-08
South Korean Shares Close at New Peak
The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.43% to close at 7,490 on Thursday, resuming its rally to a fresh record high as buying returned in heavyweight technology and industrial stocks after earlier profit-taking. Among heavyweight stocks, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix advanced 2.07% and 3.31%, respectively, while Hyundai Motor (4.00%), Doosan Enerbility (7.40%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (6.94%), and Kia Corporation (1.94%) also posted notable gains, helping offset earlier weakness across the broader market. Sentiment remained supported by easing concerns over the Middle East conflict after fresh signs of progress in US–Iran peace negotiations boosted global risk appetite and lifted Wall Street to record highs overnight. Additional support came from continued optimism surrounding AI-driven semiconductor demand after South Korea’s first-quarter exports hit a record high, with chip shipments soaring 139% year-on-year.
2026-05-07