The benchmark KOSPI climbed nearly 2% to around 7,980 on Thursday, extending gains to fresh record highs, amid a global tech rally. Semiconductor stocks led the advance after US technology shares rose to record levels overnight on continued AI enthusiasm, with Samsung Electronics advancing over 5% on AI memory expansion plans while SK hynix gained 0.6%. The finance minister vowed efforts to prevent a potential labour strike at Samsung, easing concerns over operational disruptions. Additionally, optimism surrounding the Trump-Xi summit supported investor sentiment, with markets expecting the talks to ease US-China trade tensions over tariffs and export controls. Domestic liquidity conditions also remained favorable after Bank of Korea data showed money supply continued to expand in March, driven by increased short-term funds flowing into equity investments. Other notable gainers included LG Energy Solution (2.1%) and Hyundai Mobis (1.7%).

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, rose to 7853 points on May 14, 2026, gaining 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 31.59% and is up 197.39% 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 7999.67 in May of 2026. South Korea Stock Market - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 14 of 2026.

South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, rose to 7853 points on May 14, 2026, gaining 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 31.59% and is up 197.39% 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 7248.47 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 5914.42 in 12 months time.



Indexes Price Day Month Year Date
KOSPI 7,852.86 8.85 0.11% 31.59% 197.39% May/14



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 2.80 2.70 percent Apr 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
7852.86 7844.01 7999.67 115.25 1983 - 2026 points Daily

Market Data Coverage: South Korea

News Stream
South Korean Shares Near 8,000 Milestone
The benchmark KOSPI climbed nearly 2% to around 7,980 on Thursday, extending gains to fresh record highs, amid a global tech rally. Semiconductor stocks led the advance after US technology shares rose to record levels overnight on continued AI enthusiasm, with Samsung Electronics advancing over 5% on AI memory expansion plans while SK hynix gained 0.6%. The finance minister vowed efforts to prevent a potential labour strike at Samsung, easing concerns over operational disruptions. Additionally, optimism surrounding the Trump-Xi summit supported investor sentiment, with markets expecting the talks to ease US-China trade tensions over tariffs and export controls. Domestic liquidity conditions also remained favorable after Bank of Korea data showed money supply continued to expand in March, driven by increased short-term funds flowing into equity investments. Other notable gainers included LG Energy Solution (2.1%) and Hyundai Mobis (1.7%).
2026-05-14
South Korean Shares Rebound to Record High
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.63% to close at a record high of 7,844 on Wednesday, rebounding after a sharp selloff in the previous session as investors selectively bought semiconductor and large-cap technology stocks. Optimism over AI demand and strength in chip exports continued to support sentiment. Gains were led by Samsung Electronics (1.97%), SK Hynix (8.12%), SK Square (5.86%), Hyundai Motor (9.83%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.83%), and Kia Corporation (6.30%), while LG Energy Solution (-2.71%) and Doosan Enerbility (-4.46%) posted losses. Meanwhile, hotter-than-expected US inflation strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates elevated for longer, while lingering uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks and elevated oil prices continued to weigh on sentiment. Investors also monitored debate over proposals to redistribute AI-driven excess tax revenues and ongoing labor tensions at Samsung Electronics after wage talks with its union collapsed.
2026-05-13
South Korean Shares Snap Record Rally
The benchmark KOSPI fell 2.29% to close at 7,643 on Tuesday, snapping a record-setting rally, as investors locked in profits following the recent surge toward the 8,000 mark. Sentiment also turned cautious after US President Donald Trump warned that the Iran ceasefire was on “massive life support,” reviving concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and higher oil prices. Losses were led by Samsung Electronics (-1.23%) and SK hynix (-1.60%), while SK Square (-4.38%), LG Energy Solution (-5.77%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.80%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.43%), and Kia Corporation (-3.66%) also declined. Still, support remained from continued optimism over the AI-driven semiconductor boom after major Wall Street chip stocks extended gains overnight. Investors also assessed upbeat domestic growth expectations after Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said South Korea’s economy is likely to grow by more than 2% this year on strong semiconductor exports and record current account surpluses.
2026-05-12