South Korean stocks turned higher after a bearish start Tuesday, as investors opted to increase bets on blue-chip auto and chemical shares, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 7.58 points, or 0.38 percent to 2,018.39 in the first 15 minutes of trading, after starting some 0.05 percent lower at the opening bell.
Leading carmaker Hyundai Motor gained 1.2 percent, with its auto parts-making affiliate Hyundai Mobis rising 1 percent. LG Chem jumped 2.3 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,056.50 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 1.5 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)
