Seoul: A total of 1.8 trillion won (US$1.33 billion) worth of stocks were traded during South Korea's inaugural after-hours stock trading session on Monday, the Korea Exchange (KRX) announced. On this first day, investors had the opportunity to engage in real-time trading of stocks listed on the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and the tech-driven Kosdaq from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., following the regular trading hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the KRX stated that this move is designed to position South Korea competitively against global markets, as major U.S. stock exchanges, including Nasdaq, plan to initiate 23-hour trading by the year's end to enhance liquidity. During the four-hour session, 72.24 million shares worth 1.82 trillion won were exchanged across the two markets, which constituted 8.03 percent and 7.05 percent, respectively, of the 900 million shares worth 25.8 trillion won traded during the regular session.

Previously, after-hours stock trading was limited to the Nextrade (NXT) platform, available from 3:40 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Monday, 12.17 million shares worth 1.78 trillion won were traded on the NXT platform. The new session provides broader access, with most stocks listed on the two markets available for trading, unlike the NXT platform, where only 600 stocks were available.

Despite the expanded trading opportunities, investors are restricted from trading exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) during the after-hours session due to concerns over market volatility. Additionally, daily stock price limits and market stabilization measures, such as circuit breakers, are enforced during this session.