Seoul stocks up over 1 pct on hopes for end to U.S.-Iran war | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed more than 1 percent higher Wednesday, on growing optimism the U.S.-Iran war could end soon. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 88.29 points, or 1.59 percent, to 5,642.21, after hitting an intraday high of 5,740.97. The Korean won was quoted at 1,499.7 won against the U.S. dollar, as of 3:30 p.m., down 4.5 won from the previous session. fairydust@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #KOSPI #stocks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Viewed All Categories (4th LD) N. Korea's new parliament prev Seoul stocks up over 1 pct on hopes for end to U.S.-Iran war Next Seoul stocks up over 1 pct on hopes for end to U.S.-Iran war

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OK
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed more than 1 percent higher Wednesday, on growing optimism the U.S.-Iran war could end soon. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 88.29 points, or 1.59 percent, to 5,642.21, after hitting an intraday high of 5,740.97.
Trade volume was moderate at 756.4 million shares worth 24.4 trillion won (US$16.3 billion). Winners outnumbered losers 716 to 165.
Institutional investors were net buyers, purchasing a net 2.3 trillion won. Retail and foreign investors sold off a combined net 2.6 trillion won of equities.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had productive talks with Iran on ending the monthlong war, adding that Iran has offered a "significant prize," related to gas and oil.
But Iran denied claims of having contact with the United States, according to foreign media.
"However, lingering uncertainties over the Middle East situation limited the rise in the local stock market," Lee Kyoung-min, an analyst from Daishin Securities, said.
Traders are seen working at the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on March 25, 2026. (Yonhap)
In Seoul, most large-cap shares were trading higher.
Market top-cap Samsung Electronics inched down 0.37 percent to 189,000 won, while its chipmaking rival SK hynix rose 0.91 percent to 995,000 won.
Defense shares were strong, with Hanwha Aerospace adding 4.87 percent to 1,400,000 won and Hyundai Rotem climbing 7.2 percent to 190,700 won. LIG Nex1 jumped 14.51 percent to 734,000 won on news the company joined hands with U.S. data company Palantir to jointly develop defense systems.
Local brokerage Mirae Asset Securities shot up 10.15 percent to 67,300 won, on reports that SpaceX is aiming to file for a stock listing as soon as this week. The firm is among the investors of the space company founded by Tesla's Elon Musk.
The Korean won was quoted at 1,499.7 won against the U.S. dollar, as of 3:30 p.m., down 4.5 won from the previous session.
fairydust@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Seoul stocks up over 1 pct on hopes for end to U.S.-Iran war
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Seoul stocks up over 1 pct on hopes for end to U.S.-Iran war

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- President Donald Trump claimed he had productive talks with Iran on ending the monthlong war, adding that Iran has offered a "significant prize," related to gas and oil.
- Defense shares were strong, with Hanwha Aerospace adding 4.87 percent to 1,400,000 won and Hyundai Rotem climbing 7.2 percent to 190,700 won.
- Korea, China, Italy, Belgium: reports (2nd LD) Gov't to strictly enforce five-day vehicle rotation system for public sector (LEAD) Trump says Iran has given U.S. 'very significant prize' related to oil, gas (LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae, PM's office to launch emergency economic teams to oversee response to Mideast crisis Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

### Areas for Consideration
- The Korean won was quoted at 1,499.7 won against the U.S. dollar, as of 3:30 p.m., down 4.5 won from the previous session. fairydust@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #KOSPI #stocks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Viewed All Categories (4th LD) N.

### Implications
- OK SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed more than 1 percent higher Wednesday, on growing optimism the U.S.-Iran war could end soon.
- Korea, China, Italy, Belgium: reports (2nd LD) Gov't to strictly enforce five-day vehicle rotation system for public sector (LEAD) Trump says Iran has given U.S. 'very significant prize' related to oil, gas (LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae, PM's office to launch emergency economic teams to oversee response to Mideast crisis Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers won, seoul, percent topics. Notable strengths include discussion of won. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 629.