Seoul Shares Hit Another Record High as the KOSPI Rally Stays Hot

Intermediate | January 23, 2026

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Seoul shares close at record high: The KOSPI Keeps Climbing

South Korean stocks finished another strong day this week, with the KOSPI closing at a fresh all-time high of 4,840.74. That was a 0.9% gain on the day, and it stretched the market’s winning streak to 11 straight sessions—and yes, it’s another day where Seoul shares close at record high in the headlines. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily)

What’s Driving the Rally

A big reason is continued buying in semiconductor shares. Investors have been watching global chip news closely, and that attention has helped lift Korea’s biggest tech names. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily) On the day of the record close, Samsung Electronics rose 3.47% to 148,900 won, and SK hynix added 0.93% to 756,000 won.

Foreign Investors Are Buying, Retail Investors Are Selling

Another important detail: foreign and institutional investors led the buying. Foreign investors bought a net 405 billion won, and institutions bought a net 338.5 billion won. Meanwhile, retail investors sold a net 938 billion won. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily)

That pattern matters because it often signals confidence from big-money investors—especially when they keep buying day after day.

Big Numbers Behind the Momentum

The market’s run has been fast. Over the 11-session rally, the KOSPI has climbed nearly 15%, moving from the 4,300 level on Jan. 2 to above 4,800 by the 11th session. During Friday’s trading, the index even touched an intraday record of 4,863.82. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily)

This rally has also pushed the total market value to a major milestone. After the close, total market capitalization reached 4,004.9 trillion won, passing 4,000 trillion won for the first time. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily)

Winners, Losers, and a Quick Note on the Currency

Not every major stock moved up. Along with the chip gains, Doosan Enerbility jumped 6.48% and Korea Power Corp. rose 1.67%. But Hyundai Motor fell 2.13%, and Samsung Biologics slipped 0.92%.

The Korean currency also moved. The won was quoted around 1,473.6 per U.S. dollar, which reflected a modest shift from the previous session. (Yonhap via Korea JoongAng Daily)

Why This Story Matters for Professionals

If you work in business, tech, or investing, stock market momentum can affect more than headlines. When Seoul shares close at record high, it can shape confidence, planning, and risk-taking across the market. Rising markets can influence corporate confidence, hiring, consumer spending, and even how companies plan their next big moves.

A key question to watch is whether this rally stays focused on a few “headline” sectors—like semiconductors—or whether gains spread more broadly across the economy.

Vocabulary

benchmark (noun) – a standard used to measure performance.
Example: “The KOSPI is South Korea’s benchmark stock index.”
record high (noun phrase) – the highest level ever reached.
Example: “The index closed at a record high after strong buying.”
rally (noun) – a period of strong price increases.
Example: “The market rally continued for an 11th straight session.”
momentum (noun) – strong forward movement or growing strength.
Example: “Chip stocks provided momentum for the broader market.”
semiconductor (noun) – a material used to make computer chips.
Example: “Semiconductor shares were a major driver of the gains.”
net buying (noun) – total buying minus total selling.
Example: “Foreign investors showed net buying throughout the session.”
institutional investors (noun) – large organizations that invest money (banks, funds).
Example: “Institutional investors added to the rally with heavy purchases.”
market capitalization (noun) – the total value of all listed shares.
Example: “Market capitalization passed 4,000 trillion won for the first time.”
intraday (adjective) – happening within the same trading day.
Example: “The index hit an intraday record before closing.”
decliners (noun) – stocks that fell in price.
Example: “Decliners outnumbered gainers even as the index rose.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What does it mean when a stock index closes at a “record high”?
Which companies helped lead the rally, and why do they matter to Korea’s market?
Why is it significant that foreign and institutional investors were net buyers?
What details suggest this rally has been unusually fast or strong?
What risks might appear if the rally depends too much on one sector, like semiconductors?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do rising stock markets always mean the real economy is doing well? Why or why not?
What industries usually lead stock market rallies in your country?
How do you think stock market headlines influence everyday people?
If you were a business leader, how would a rising market affect your planning?
What signs would you look for to decide whether a rally is sustainable?

Related Idiom / Phrase

“Ride the wave” – to take advantage of strong momentum while it lasts.

Example: “Many investors are trying to ride the wave as the KOSPI keeps setting new highs.”

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This article was inspired by: Yonhap News Agency (via Korea JoongAng Daily)