KOSPI 2,480; KOSDAQ 710 Recovered...Strong Semiconductor Stocks

The KOSPI surpassed the 2,480 mark in 12 trading days on the back of net purchases by foreigners and institutions.

The KOSPI rose 1.9 percent to close at 2,488.64, with foreigners buying a net 370 billion won and institutions buying a net 60 billion won.

Semiconductor stocks were strong, with SK Hynix rising 9.8% and Samsung Electronics rising 2.8% ahead of the opening of CES, the world's largest IT and home appliance exhibition in Las Vegas.

The KOSDAQ index also closed 1.7 percent higher at 717.96 as individuals bought a net 160 billion won.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate started at 1,470 won and stood at 1,469.7 won as of 3:30 won.