The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed up 0.6 percent at 1,889.64 points, after falling as much as 0.6 percent in morning trade.
China is South Korea's largest trading partner.
However, offshore investors were net sellers for a ninth straight day, dumping a net 272.6 billion won ($226.07 million) worth of shares on the main board, preliminary data showed.
Meanwhile, institutions bought stocks on the dips, supporting the broader market.
The South Korean won was quoted at 1,205.9 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, up 0.4 percent compared to Monday's close of 1,210.9.