S. Korean shares open higher on tech gains

SEOUL, June 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened a tad higher Thursday, on the back of gains in Samsung Electronics and other tech firms.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 3.01 points or 0.15 percent to 1,985.73 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Most large caps traded mixed with market kingpin Samsung Electronics continuing its upward march to rise 2.33 percent. Global chipmaker SK hynix was also up 1.23 percent.

Naver, the operator of the country's top Internet portal, rose 2.18 percent.

In contrast, top automaker Hyundai Motor remained flat, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors fell 0.86 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,190.55 won against the U.S. dollar, up 2.45 won from the previous session's close.

U.S. stock prices closed higher on Wednesday aided by a recovery in oil prices and some positive economic data.

sam@yna.co.kr
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