Korean shares open slightly higher on auto gains

South Korean shares opened slightly higher on Tuesday, rebounding from a sharp drop in the previous session.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 3.63 points, or 0.18 percent, to 2,045.79 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

On Monday, the index lost 14.08 points, or 0.68 percent, to close at 2,042.16.

Large caps traded mixed with most tech shares in negative terrain.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics shed 0.12 percent, while global chipmaker SK hynix remained flat at 36,000 won.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor spiked 1.14 percent, with its smaller affiliate Kia Motors advancing 0.48 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,118.85 won against the US dollar, up 7.65 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap)