Seoul shares trade almost flat in late-morning trade

SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded almost flat late Wednesday morning due mainly to a weak growth momentum in the market, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 0.63 points, or 0.03 percent, to 1,913.66 as of 11:20 a.m.

Blue chip exporters led the gain, with top chipmaker SK hynix adding 2.3 percent and No. 1 carmaker Hyundai Motor climbing 1.76 percent. Leading steelmaker POSCO moved up 0.45 percent.

Mobile carriers traded mixed, with leading SK Telecom rising 1.68 percent and KT adding 0.14 percent. In contrast, LG Uplus, the smallest player, shed 0.38 percent.

The local currency was changing hands at 1,119.80 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., down 4.50 won from Tuesday's close.