Market Overview
The South Korean stock market delivered a historic performance on Friday, April 24, 2026, with the KOSDAQ index breaking through the 1,200-point psychological barrier for the first time in over 25 years. While the KOSPI index remained relatively flat after a week of aggressive gains, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ surged by 2.51%, driven by a massive rally in biotechnology and semiconductor stocks.
Index Performance: KOSPI (^KS11) and KOSDAQ (^KQ11)
The KOSPI index closed at 6,475.63, down slightly by 0.18 points or 0.00% from the previous session. Despite the flat performance today, the index remains at historically elevated levels following a four-day winning streak that propelled it to fresh record highs earlier in the week.
In contrast, the KOSDAQ index finished the day at 1,203.84, gaining 29.53 points (+2.51%). This milestone represents the first time the junior board has traded above 1,200 since the dot-com era of the early 2000s. The surge was primarily attributed to strong institutional and foreign buying in high-growth sectors.
Sector and Stock Highlights
The market tone was decidedly bullish for technology and biotechnology firms. Semiconductors continue to benefit from global AI infrastructure demand, while the biotech sector saw renewed interest following several positive clinical trial results announced by major Korean players.
Top 5 Movers of the Day
| Stock Name | Ticker Code | Closing Change (%) | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| BH | 090460 | +29.95% | KOSDAQ |
| Atinum Investment | 172670 | +26.27% | KOSDAQ |
| SFA Semiconductor | 036540 | +22.18% | KOSDAQ |
| OCI Holdings | 010060 | +19.25% | KOSPI |
| HD Hyundai Marine Solution | 071970 | +18.88% | KOSPI |
Foreign Investor Activity and Market Narrative
Trading patterns showed a divergence between the two main boards. On the KOSPI, foreign investors were net sellers, offloading approximately 1.95 trillion KRW worth of shares, likely taking profits after the recent record-breaking rally. However, institutional and retail investors stepped in to absorb the selling pressure, keeping the index stable.
On the KOSDAQ, the narrative was reversed. Foreign investors recorded a net buy of 729.3 billion KRW, fueling the index’s climb past the 1,200 mark. Institutional investors also joined the buying spree, contributing a net purchase of 187.7 billion KRW.
The overall market sentiment remains positive, though analysts suggest that the KOSPI may enter a period of consolidation after its rapid ascent. Investors are now looking toward upcoming corporate earnings reports and global macroeconomic data for further direction.
For more detailed analysis on Korean equities, visit kstocks.net.
Data Source: Naver Finance, KRX (Korea Exchange)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investing in the stock market involves risks, and readers should consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
About the Author
Johnny Lee
Seoul-based full-time professional and individual investor with 5 years of active experience in the Korean stock market. My approach combines value investing with medium-term swing trading across a diversified portfolio. In 2025, my personal account delivered a 72.9% return, significantly outperforming the KOSPI benchmark. I started KStocks to bring the Korean investor perspective directly to a global English-speaking audience.
Korean blog: blog.naver.com/taximum | Contact: golchoa@gmail.com