The benchmark KOSPI ended up 11.20 points at 1,817.44, erasing heavy losses in morning trade sparked by sell-offs by foreigners.

The gains came after the market plunged four percent on opening amid jitters over deepening European debt troubles and fears of a new US recession.

Seoul's main bourse closed up 0.27 percent on Wednesday.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011