Seoul shares up 0.04 pct in late-morning trade

South Korean stocks traded a modest 0.04 percent higher late Wednesday morning led by gains in large-cap exporters, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.71 points to 1,997.23 as of 11:20 a.m.

Techs led the rise, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics adding 0.81 percent and LG Electronics, the country's second-largest home appliances maker, climbing 0.39 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor gained 2.1 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors rose 1.1 percent.

However, shippers were bearish, with industry leader Hyundai Merchant Marine shedding 0.46 percent and Hanjin Shipping dropping 1.15 percent.

The local currency was changing hands at 1,064.95 won against the greenback, down 2.85 won from Tuesday's close. (Yonhap News)