Seoul: The South Korean won surged to a two-month high against the U.S. dollar, driven by a stronger-than-expected economic performance in the second quarter, propelled by robust semiconductor exports. The won was valued at 1,466.8 per dollar by 3:30 p.m., reflecting an increase of 13.3 won from the previous day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the day's trading commenced with the won at 1,478 per dollar, eventually reaching a peak of 1,457.9 won. This marks the strongest level since May 8. The nation's real gross domestic product saw a 0.6 percent rise in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter, surpassing the Bank of Korea's earlier growth estimate of 0.2 percent.

The Japanese yen's decline to a 40-year low against the dollar has resulted in the won-yen arbitrated exchange rate dropping below 900 won per 100 yen for the first time in around 20 months. The U.S. dollar remains the benchmark currency for this exchange rate.

Foreign investors played a significant role by purchasing a net 2.1 trillion won (approximately US$1.4 billion) in local stocks on Thursday. Consequently, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index experienced a 4.4 percent surge, closing at 7,096.89 points.