The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.55% to close at 6,192 on Friday, snapping a three-day winning streak, as investors locked in gains after a recent rally while remaining cautious over Middle East developments. The index had climbed above the 6,200 level in the previous session for the first time since the onset of the US–Iran conflict, prompting profit-taking. Shares of Samsung Electronics (-0.34%) and SK hynix (-1.73%) declined, alongside SK Square (-1.45%), Hanwha Aerospace (-6.39%), and Doosan Enerbility (-2.17%). Sentiment was also tempered by lingering uncertainty despite signs of easing geopolitical tensions, after the US signaled progress in ceasefire talks involving Iran and a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon. While the developments raised hopes of de-escalation, the lack of clarity over a lasting agreement kept risk appetite in check. At the same time, elevated energy prices and supply concerns continued to weigh on South Korea’s outlook as a major energy importer.

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, fell to 6192 points on April 17, 2026, losing 0.55% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 4.50% and is up 149.33% 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 6347.41 in February of 2026. South Korea Stock Market - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on April 19 of 2026.

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, fell to 6192 points on April 17, 2026, losing 0.55% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 4.50% and is up 149.33% 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 5905.14 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 4894.09 in 12 months time.



Indexes Price Day Month Year Date
KOSPI 6,191.92 -34.13 -0.55% 4.50% 149.33% Apr/17



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
South Korea Inflation Rate 2.20 2.00 percent Mar 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
6191.92 6226.05 6347.41 115.25 1983 - 2026 points Daily

Market Data Coverage: South Korea

News Stream
South Korean Shares Fall on Profit-Taking
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.55% to close at 6,192 on Friday, snapping a three-day winning streak, as investors locked in gains after a recent rally while remaining cautious over Middle East developments. The index had climbed above the 6,200 level in the previous session for the first time since the onset of the US–Iran conflict, prompting profit-taking. Shares of Samsung Electronics (-0.34%) and SK hynix (-1.73%) declined, alongside SK Square (-1.45%), Hanwha Aerospace (-6.39%), and Doosan Enerbility (-2.17%). Sentiment was also tempered by lingering uncertainty despite signs of easing geopolitical tensions, after the US signaled progress in ceasefire talks involving Iran and a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon. While the developments raised hopes of de-escalation, the lack of clarity over a lasting agreement kept risk appetite in check. At the same time, elevated energy prices and supply concerns continued to weigh on South Korea’s outlook as a major energy importer.
2026-04-17
KOSPI Hits Over 1-Month High on Iran Deal Hopes
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.21% to close at 6,226 on Thursday, hitting an over one-month high and rallying for a third straight session toward record levels, as improving prospects for a US–Iran deal lifted global risk appetite. Sentiment strengthened as progress in US–Iran negotiations, supported by a two-week ceasefire and ongoing exchanges, along with plans for further talks, pointed to sustained diplomatic momentum. At the same time, easing oil prices reduced concerns over a prolonged energy shock, offering relief to an economy heavily reliant on imported energy. The global risk-on tone was reinforced by record highs on Wall Street, where strong performance in technology stocks boosted global markets and lifted major Korean chipmakers. Samsung Electronics rose 2.84% and SK hynix added 1.32%, alongside gains in Hyundai Motor (4.92%), SK Square (3.31%), Doosan Enerbility (6.05%), Kia Corporation (3.89%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (4.00%), and KB Financial Group (2.28%).
2026-04-16
KOSPI Climbs Toward Pre-War Record Highs
The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2.07% to close at 6,091 on Wednesday, reaching its strongest level since late February and marching toward record levels seen before the war, amid renewed hopes for US–Iran talks and strong Wall Street cues. Investor confidence strengthened after reports that Washington and Tehran are considering a second round of negotiations, with continued diplomatic engagement raising expectations of a potential deal and easing concerns over supply disruptions. Oil prices pulled back, relieving inflation concerns and supporting the outlook for energy-importing economies such as South Korea. At the same time, gains tracked overnight advances on Wall Street, led by strength in technology stocks. Major chipmakers drove the rally, with Samsung Electronics (2.18%) and SK hynix (2.99%) posting solid gains, alongside Hyundai Motor (3.36%), LG Energy Solution (2%), SK Square (3.91%), Kia Corporation (1.54%), and KB Financial Group (1.48%).
2026-04-15