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South Korean Stocks Climb to Four-Year High as US Tariff Talks Intensify

Foreign buying propelled the KOSPI to its highest closing level since 2021 with Seoul and Washington engaged in final negotiations before the Aug. 1 deadline.

Cars are parked to be shipped overseas at a port in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek on July 30, 2025. (Yonhap)
Officials work at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on July 29, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (C) poses for a photo with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (L) during their meeting in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2025, in this photo released by the South Korean industry ministry. On the right is South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
An official works at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on July 29, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The KOSPI rose 0.74% to close at 3,252.47, marking a sixth consecutive session of gains and its strongest finish since Aug. 9, 2021.
  • Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held two-hour talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on July 29 and Koo is set to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday.
  • Foreign and institutional investors bought a net 580.6 billion won and 330.8 billion won of shares respectively, while retail traders sold about 984.9 billion won.
  • Technology and auto shares led the rally, with Samsung Electronics up 2.83%, Hyundai Motor rising 2.29% and LG Energy Solution responding to news of a $4.3 billion Tesla battery deal.
  • The Korean won firmed by roughly 7.9 won to trade at 1,383.1 per dollar as prospects for a tariff agreement improved.