South Korean stocks traded 0.47 percent higher late Friday morning due to gains in carmakers and shipbuilders, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 9.46 points to 2,024.68 as of 11:20 a.m.
Carmakers led the market gain, with No. 1 player Hyundai Motor advancing 1.39 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors adding 0.73 percent. Top auto parts manufacturer Hyundai Mobis moved up 0.65 percent.
Shipbuilders also gathered ground, with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. moving up 1.12 percent and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. gaining 1.7 percent.
The local currency was changing hands at 1,086.25 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., down 0.05 won from Thursday's close. (Yonhap News)
