South Korean stocks opened almost flat Thursday following overnight gains on Wall Street buoyed by cooler-than-expected inflation data.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 0.8 point, or 0.01 percent, to 2,487.47 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

The local market opened an hour later, along with the government and all major institutions, including private businesses, to make room for the once-a-year national college entrance exam.

US stocks closed higher overnight following reports that the producer price index rose at a lower-than-expected rate in October, providing an additional sign of slowing inflation one day after the country reported a slower-than-expected increase in consumer price index.

The Dow Jones Industrial average added 0.47 percent, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.07 percent.

In Seoul, large caps traded mixed.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.83 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix losing 0.45 percent.

Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution fell 1.44 percent, while top mobile carrier SK Telecom added 0.97 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor rose 1.21 percent, with its smaller affiliate Kia soaring 2.09 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,307.75 won against the US dollar, down 6.95 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)

• ·Culture minister to discuss exchanges with Vatican this week
• ·S. Korean family fleeing Gaza departs for Seoul via Egypt
• ·Daewoong aims to reshape obesity market with patch
• ·SK On to supply EV batteries to Polestar from 2025
• ·Footballer Hwang's sister
• ·尹대통령 “군장병 확고한 국가관·대적관 안보대세 가져야”
• ·[Today’s K
• ·'Oh, Jejudo' by Hyun Ki
• ·Hanwha Aerospace lands W3.2tr tank supply deal with Australia
• ·Korea suspends stock short selling until start of July 2024
• ·World Cup in Saudi Arabia sparks human rights protest
• ·Yoon regards illegal stock short selling serious 'malady': presidential office
• ·Filming set for season 2 of 'Squid Game' unveiled to press
• ·Fugitive caught 3 days after escape from hospital
• ·[Herald Review] Music Festival Pohang stands strong without conductor or chairs
• ·Jungkook on top: BTS singer racks up more landmark feats with 'Golden'