Seoul stocks rose sharply on Friday as investors bet on a possible end to the conflict between the United States and Iran. The benchmark KOSPI index climbed more than 4 percent to close above 8,000 again.
The KOSPI closed up 359.67 points, or 4.63 percent, at 8,123.62 after hitting an intraday high of 8,434.40. Foreign investors turned to net buyers after a 25-session selling streak.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had reached a "great settlement" to resolve the months-long conflict with Iran, with a deal possibly signed over the weekend in Europe.
Samsung Electronics rose 7.86 percent to 322,500 won, while SK hynix gained 2.33 percent. The won strengthened 9.1 won to 1,519.8 won against the dollar.
