South Korean stocks traded 0.72 percent higher on gains in carmakers and insurers, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 13.83 points to 1,946.86 as of 11:20 a.m.
Carmakers gathered ground, with Hyundai Motor adding 0.41 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors climbing 0.92 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis added 1.98 percent.
Insurers also gathered ground, with Samsung Life adding 0.5 percent and Hanwha Life increasing 2.13 percent. Dongbu Insurance gained 0.99 percent.
The local currency was changing hands at 1,092.15 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 2.35 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)
