Seoul: Seoul stocks were trading sharply lower late Friday morning as investors sold off tech heavyweights amid concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 345.3 points, or 4.87 percent, to 6,751.56 as of 11:36 a.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, after opening lower, the index widened its losses as foreigners and institutional investors dumped shares in technology, finance, and automotive sectors. This activity prompted the bourse operator to temporarily halt program trading for KOSPI-listed stocks at 11:28 a.m.

U.S. stocks closed lower overnight, as U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a "massive attack" on Iran heightened anxiety over the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. The situation added pressure on global markets, including Seoul's.

The rise in oil prices further complicated the market environment, with Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, surpassing US$100 per barrel. This increase in oil prices contributed to the market's decline as it raised concerns about higher operating costs for companies.

Most market top-caps were trading lower, affecting the overall index. Chip giant Samsung Electronics saw a dip of 6.39 percent, while its industry rival SK hynix shed 6.2 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor experienced a significant drop of 8.45 percent. In contrast, defense giant Hanwha Aerospace managed to add 3.34 percent. Major financial company KB Financial fell by 5.22 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,463.4 against the U.S. dollar as of 11:36 a.m., marking an increase of 10.8 won from the previous session. This currency movement reflects the broader economic uncertainties impacting investor sentiment.