Seoul shares close higher on oil price retreat, tech boost | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed more than 1.5 percent higher Tuesday, rising for the second day, amid a drop in global oil prices and the strong performance of blue chip tech shares boosted by reignited optimism in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. A Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul on March 17, 2026 (Yonhap) nyway@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (2nd LD) Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher on chip gains; won declines (LEAD) (News Focus) Iran crisis sharply weakens Korean won, fueling inflation, economic fallout concerns (2nd LD) Seoul shares down for 2nd day on prolonged Hormuz shutdown; won declines S. Korean currency rebounds from 17-yr low amid drop in oil prices Korean currency volatility not at critical stage: BOK board member Keywords #stocks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war (2nd LD) N. Korea holds parliamentary elections Anti-U.S. rally prev Seoul shares close higher on oil price retreat, tech boost Next Seoul shares close higher on oil price retreat, tech boost

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SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed more than 1.5 percent higher Tuesday, rising for the second day, amid a drop in global oil prices and the strong performance of blue chip tech shares boosted by reignited optimism in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 90.63 points, or 1.63 percent, to end at 5,640.48.
The KOSPI's rise was in line with overnight gains on Wall Street boosted by a drop in global oil prices that came amid expectations for the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key Middle Eastern oil export route, and hopes for an additional plan for oil releases by major economies.
Brent crude oil prices, the international oil benchmark, dropped 2.8 percent to US$100.21 per barrel, while the price of U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dipped 5.3 percent to $93.5.
The upbeat mood was also fueled by expectations for the AI market created after Nvidia's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang said his company is expected to generate $1 trillion in sales within the next year.
A Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul on March 17, 2026 (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)
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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- OK SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed more than 1.5 percent higher Tuesday, rising for the second day, amid a drop in global oil prices and the strong performance of blue chip tech shares boosted by reignited optimism in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

### Areas for Consideration
- Korean currency rebounds from 17-yr low amid drop in oil prices Korean currency volatility not at critical stage: BOK board member Keywords #stocks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- A Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul on March 17, 2026 (Yonhap) nyway@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (2nd LD) Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher on chip gains; won declines (LEAD) (News Focus) Iran crisis sharply weakens Korean won, fueling inflation, economic fallout concerns (2nd LD) Seoul shares down for 2nd day on prolonged Hormuz shutdown; won declines S.
- Korean currency rebounds from 17-yr low amid drop in oil prices Korean currency volatility not at critical stage: BOK board member Keywords #stocks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, oil, seoul topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 537.