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KOSPI Nears 5,000 Again With Record Close at 4,990 on Tech Strength

A chip-driven surge alongside governance reforms is propelling the market.

People cheer after the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) broke the 5,000 mark on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap)
This photo shows the dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on Jan. 22, 2026. (Yonhap)
A Hana Bank official smiles at the bank's dealing room in central Seoul after the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) hit an all-time intraday high on Jan. 23, 2026. (Yonhap)
People walk in the financial district of Yeouido in western Seoul, in this file photo taken on Dec. 24, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea’s benchmark index briefly topped 5,000 for a second straight session on Jan. 23, hitting an intraday high of 5,021.13 before closing at a record 4,990.07.
  • The milestone followed the first-ever intraday breach of 5,000 on Jan. 22, when the KOSPI finished at 4,952.53 despite early gains.
  • Gains remain led by large-cap tech, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix underpinning the advance as investors price in AI-related chip demand; autos weakened on profit-taking.
  • Trading flows shifted, with institutions and foreign investors net buyers on Jan. 23 after foreigners and institutions sold into the prior day’s rally that was supported by retail buying.
  • Analysts highlight supportive governance and tax measures under President Lee’s agenda alongside caution on narrow market breadth, a weak won, and a 0.3% GDP contraction in Q4 2025.