Seoul: South Korea's main stock index surged to a more than three-year high on Wednesday, driven by gains in technology and auto stocks, as well as continued foreign investor interest.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 35.19 points, or 1.23%, to close at 2,907.04 points, marking its highest level since January 14, 2022, when it reached 2,921.92 points. The trading volume was significant, with 383.5 million shares exchanged worth 12.3 trillion won (approximately $9 billion). Advancers outpaced decliners 600 to 281, indicating a strong market sentiment fueled by foreign investors extending their buying streak for a sixth consecutive session.

Key movers in the market included major technology and automobile companies. In Seoul, Samsung Electronics saw an increase of 1.18% to 59,900 won, while chipmaker SK Hynix surged 4.12% to 240,000 won. Automobile giants Hyundai Motor and Kia also reported gains, with Hyundai Motor up by 2.03% to 201,000 won and Kia rising 2.54% to 96,900 won. Additionally, Hyundai Mobis, an auto parts supplier, increased by 4.91% to 288,500 won. In the nuclear sector, Doosan Enerbility climbed 6.46% to 51,100 won, and Kakao, the operator of South Korea's most popular mobile messaging app, rose 2.8% to 51,400 won.

On the other hand, some sectors faced declines mainly due to profit-taking. Defense and shipbuilding stocks slipped, with Hanwha Aerospace falling 3.31% to 905,000 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropping 2.11% to 418,000 won. The financial sector also experienced a downturn, as KB Financial decreased by 3.34% to 107,200 won and Shinhan Financial fell 1.81% to 59,800 won.