South Korean stocks got off to a strong start Monday, due mainly to gains in tech firms and carmakers, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.13 points, or 0.86 percent, to 2,011.45 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Tech shares led the market gain, with No. 1 Samsung Electronics moving up 0.57 percent and top chipmaker SK hynix adding 2.41 percent. LG Electronics advanced 0.82 percent, and LG Display increased 0.73 percent.
Carmakers also gathered ground, with leading Hyundai Motor climbing 2.21 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors rising 2.09 percent. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis gained 1.59 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,082.15 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 4.85 won from Friday's close.
The Seoul bourse will be closed for three days starting from Sept. 18 for the Chuseok Holiday, which refers to the national harvest celebration. (Yonhap News)
