South Korean stocks snapped earlier losses and traded 0.26 percent higher late Tuesday morning, as steelmakers and chemical firms drove up the main index, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 5.37 points to 2,053.51 as of 11:20 a.m.
POSCO, a leading steelmaker, climbed nearly 1 percent, with major chemical producer LG Chem advancing 1.7 percent.
But autos declined. Hyundai Motor fell 1.3 percent, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors slid 1.1 percent.
The local currency was changing hands at 1,060.85 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 0.25 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)
