Seoul: South Korean stocks traded markedly higher late Monday morning, led by strong gains from large-cap semiconductor and chemical shares. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index had risen 36.69 points, or 1.50 percent, to 2,478.61 as of 11:20 a.m. The index opened higher and extended gains further as institutions and foreigners turned to buying mode.

According to Yonhap News Agency, market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 3.12 percent, and chip giant SK hynix soared 6.05 percent. Leading electric vehicle battery maker LG Energy Solution surged 2.11 percent, and LG Chem jumped 2.17 percent. Major bio shares gathered ground, with Samsung Biologics adding 0.32 percent and Celltrion increasing 1.16 percent. Top steelmaker POSCO Holdings went up 1.54 percent, and internet platform giant Naver spiked 3.49 percent.

However, carmakers traded lower. Top automaker Hyundai Motor shed 1.17 percent, and its sister affiliate Kia lost 0.4 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,468.9 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 0.5 won from the previous session.