The number of South Korean companies with a market capitalization exceeding 1 trillion won ($692.1 million) jumped 13 percent in less than two months since the start of the year, driven by a continued stock rally. As of Friday, 365 companies listed on the local stock market met this threshold, up 42 from the end of last year. This surge is attributed to strong gains in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices.
According to data from the Korea Exchange, the country's main bourse operator, and Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, as of Friday, February 14, 2026, 365 companies listed on the local stock market had a market capitalization exceeding 1 trillion won, up 42 from 323 at the end of last year. This represents a 13 percent increase in less than two months since the start of the year. The total comprises 249 firms on the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and 116 on the smaller KOSDAQ bourse.
The number of companies surpassing the 10 trillion won threshold rose to 74 from 62 at the end of last year, with most listed on the KOSPI and six on the KOSDAQ.
This rapid expansion was primarily driven by the steep, sustained rally in the local stock market this year. The KOSPI closed at 5,507.01 on Friday, jumping 30.68 percent from 4,214.17 at the end of 2025. The KOSDAQ index rose 19.52 percent over the same period.
The data highlights how the ongoing market upswing has elevated the valuations of more companies, including smaller ones, though it does not address potential market volatility.
