South Korean stocks traded 0.44 percent lower late Friday morning, dented by losses in large-cap exporters, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 8.83 points to 1,990.64 as of 11:20 a.m.
Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipyard, slumped more than 3 percent, with LG Chem, a leading chemical maker, dipping 2.6 percent.
In contrast, tech firms, though paring earlier gains, stayed in positive terrain. Samsung Electronics was up 0.4 percent, and SK hynix rose 2 percent.
The local currency was changing hands at 1,072.05 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 1.95 won from Wednesday's close.
The Seoul bourse was closed on Thursday for the National Foundation Day. (Yonhap News)
