South Korean stocks traded 0.65 percent lower late Tuesday morning, led by losses in techs and autos, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved down 12.49 points to 1,913.82 as of 11:20 a.m.
Tech heavyweights lost ground, with market behemoth Samsung Electronics falling 1.06 percent, and top chipmaker SK hynix losing 0.69 percent. Leading flat panel manufacturer LG Display decreased 1.31 percent.
Carmakers also traded lower, with Hyundai Motor falling 0.27 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors moving down 1.51 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis also shed 2.56 percent.
The local currency was changing hands at 1,120.85 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., down 1.85 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)
