Seoul shares turn higher after weak start

South Korean stocks got off to a weak start on Wednesday but swung to positive territory on hopes for the U.S. Fed's further quantitative easing, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.44 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,822.4 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Blue-chip exporters led the gains, with Samsung Electronics adding 1.11 percent and top automaker Hyundai Motor rising 0.45 percent.

The local currency was changing at 1,140.45 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 3.15 won from Tuesday's close. (Yonhap News)