Foreign ownership of South Korea stocks tops 1 trillion won
Foreign investors hold more than 1,000 trillion won in South Korean stocks after the benchmark index climbed to record highs, exchange data showed on Sunday. Overseas shareholders owned 1,125 trillion won worth of shares on Friday, representing 35 percent of the total market value, up from 32.2 percent at the close of 2024.
International buyers concentrated purchases in technology giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, accumulating stakes valued at 305 trillion won and 204 trillion won, respectively. Analysts credit the investment surge to semiconductor sector optimism and government policies that favor business interests.
The Kospi advanced 2.5 percent on Friday to finish at 3,941.59, marking another all-time high. Research directors say foreign appetite strengthened as investors recognized that Korean equities traded below global peers, despite companies positioned to benefit from the expansion of artificial intelligence.
