Seoul: South Korean stocks traded higher late Friday morning, led by sharp gains of large-cap semiconductor shares. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 46.38 points, or 1.1 percent, reaching 4,260.55 as of 11:20 a.m. The index opened higher in the first trading session of 2026 and extended gains further on solid buying by retail investors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, top-cap shares traded with mixed results. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics soared 3.67 percent, and chip giant SK hynix surged 2.3 percent. Defense giant Hanwha Aerospace advanced 1.81 percent, and nuclear power plant builder Doosan Enerbility increased by 0.4 percent. However, leading battery maker LG Energy Solution slid 1.83 percent, and major chemical firm LG Chem sank 2.25 percent. Bio giant Samsung Biologics edged down 0.18 percent, while Celltrion spiked 12.43 percent. Leading shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy remained unchanged, while its rival Hanwha Ocean lost 0.44 percent.

Carmakers also showed varied performances. Top automaker Hyundai Motor went up 0.67 percent, while its sister affiliate Kia fell 0.57 percent. Internet portal operator Naver went up 0.82 percent, but No. 1 steelmaker POSCO dropped 2.46 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,442.75 won against the greenback at 11:20 a.m., down 3.75 won from the previous session.