South Korean stocks opened at a fresh record high on Monday as investor appetite for tech shares drove gains.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 120.03 points, or 1.42 percent, to 8,596.18 as of 9:15 a.m., continuing its upward momentum after opening at a fresh high.
The KOSPI closed at a record high of 8,476.15 on Friday. Gains came as investor appetite for tech shares helped offset uncertainty surrounding negotiations between the United States and Iran over a peace agreement.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 3.47 percent, while top carmaker Hyundai Motor gained 6.22 percent. LG Electronics skyrocketed 29.86 percent, and portal operator Naver surged 8.97 percent. The Korean won was trading at 1,508.75 won against the U.S. dollar.
