[Closing 2026-04-29] KOSPI Hits New Record 6,690.90 Amid AI Rally

KOSPI Shatters Records with All-Time High Closing at 6,690.90

The South Korean stock market reached a historic milestone today, April 29, 2026, as the benchmark KOSPI (.KS11) soared to an unprecedented all-time high. Driven by a relentless rally in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor heavyweights, the index closed at 6,690.90, marking a significant psychological and technical breakthrough for the domestic bourse. The KOSDAQ (.KQ11) also shared in the optimism, albeit with more modest gains, as investor sentiment remains buoyed by technological advancements and global demand for high-performance computing.

Market Summary and Index Performance

The KOSPI index gained 49.88 points, or 0.75%, to finish the session at 6,690.90. This level represents the highest closing price in the history of the Korea Exchange, reflecting a strong upward trajectory that has been building over the past week. The market’s momentum was particularly evident in the final hour of trading, as institutional buying pushed the index past previous resistance levels.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ index rose by 4.68 points, or 0.39%, to close at 1,220.26. While the KOSDAQ’s ascent was slightly more tempered compared to the main board, it continues to show resilience, supported by individual investor interest in emerging growth sectors and a highly successful market debut by a new green energy player.

AI and Semiconductors Lead the Charge

The primary catalyst for today’s record-breaking performance was the continued dominance of the semiconductor sector. Samsung Electronics (005930), the market’s largest bellwether, touched new historical highs as global demand for its latest generation of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI-specific foundry services continues to exceed expectations. SK Hynix (000660) also contributed significantly to the market’s gains, bolstered by strong earnings projections and its leadership in the AI supply chain.

The broader “GenAI” theme has become the definitive narrative for the 2026 market. Investors are increasingly focusing on companies that provide the infrastructure and software solutions necessary for the AI era. This trend has extended beyond traditional tech giants to include specialized hardware providers and data center infrastructure firms.

Notable Individual Movers

In the KOSDAQ market, all eyes were on the debut of Chaebi (451230), an innovative electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider. The company’s shares surged by 83% from its initial public offering (IPO) price on its first day of trading, highlighting the robust appetite for green energy and smart infrastructure stocks.

Investment Flow and Market Sentiment

Despite the overall positive movement of the indices, the investment flow data revealed a complex picture of market participation. Foreign investors were net sellers today, offloading approximately 607.1 billion KRW in the KOSPI market and 19.5 billion KRW in the KOSDAQ. This net selling by foreigners suggests a degree of profit-taking at record levels or a strategic reallocation of portfolios amidst the rapid ascent of the Korean market.

In contrast, institutional investors were the backbone of today’s KOSPI rally, recording a net purchase of 478.1 billion KRW. Retail investors also remained active, with a net buy of 167 billion KRW in KOSPI and 143.2 billion KRW in KOSDAQ, demonstrating strong domestic confidence in the long-term prospects of the market. For more in-depth analysis on daily market trends, visit kstocks.net.

Data Source: Naver Finance, Korea Exchange (KRX), Bank of Korea (BOK).

Conclusion

Today’s closing at 6,690.90 marks more than just a number; it signifies the South Korean market’s evolving status as a global technology and AI hub. While foreign selling and potential overbought signals warrant a cautious approach in the short term, the fundamental shift toward an AI-driven economy continues to provide a powerful tailwind for Korean equities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Investing in the stock market involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.