Seoul: The Korea Exchange (KRX) announced Wednesday that it will initiate an after-market trading session starting next Monday, enabling investors to engage in real-time stock trading for four hours following the regular trading hours.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the KRX aims to enhance its competitiveness with global markets and broaden trading opportunities for investors. The new after-market trading session is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., complementing the regular trading session that runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The KRX stated that most stocks on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index and the KOSDAQ markets will be accessible for trading during the after-market session. However, trading of exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded notes will be prohibited during this period due to concerns about market volatility.

The KRX also mentioned that daily stock price limits and market stabilization measures, such as a circuit breaker, will be enforced during the after-market session. This addition is anticipated to "improve investor accessibility and increase market competitiveness," marking a significant step towards elevating the stock market to a global level.