South Korean stocks traded slightly lower on December 30, the final trading day of 2025, despite gains in big-cap tech shares. The KOSPI index fell 0.14 percent to 4,214.64 as of 11:20 a.m., as investors cashed in recent gains. This follows a strong close the previous day driven by a semiconductor rally.
South Korean stocks opened lower on December 30, the final trading day of 2025, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street. The benchmark KOSPI index fell 14.08 points, or 0.33 percent, to 4,206.48 in the first 15 minutes, but by 11:20 a.m., it had slipped only 5.92 points, or 0.14 percent, to 4,214.64. Foreign and institutional investors were net sellers, offset by retail buying.
The previous session on December 29 saw the KOSPI surge 2.2 percent to close at 4,220.56, its highest since November 3, fueled by a semiconductor rally. Chip giant SK hynix spiked 6.84 percent to 640,000 won after the Korea Exchange lifted its investment warning, in place since December 11. Samsung Electronics advanced 2.14 percent to 119,500 won. However, LG Energy Solution slid 0.91 percent to 380,000 won following the cancellation of a 3.9 trillion won supply deal with U.S. firm Freudenberg Battery Power System.
On December 30 morning, Samsung Electronics rose 0.75 percent and SK hynix jumped 1.41 percent, but LG Energy Solution sank 3.03 percent. Hyundai Motor lost 0.17 percent, while HD Hyundai Heavy decreased 1.91 percent. "SK hynix's removal from the investment warning list helped support investor sentiment and extend the year-end rally," said Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.
The won traded at 1,434.25 against the dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 4.45 won. Markets will close Wednesday and reopen January 2. The dip reflects profit-taking after recent gains amid global tech weakness.
