Seoul shares climbed almost 2 percent to their highest close in more than two months on Thursday, as investors snapped up hard-hit technology stocks and took record-breaking oil prices in their stride.
Foreign investors homed in on makers of chips, displays and home appliances, rotating their buying from financial stocks and companies reliant on domestic demand last week.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended up 1.98 percent at 788.53 points, the highest finish since June 9 when it settled at 794.53.
Among leading tech gainers, shares in LG Electronics Inc, the world's biggest maker of air conditioners, ended 6.08 percent higher at 55,800 won. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, advanced 2.67 percent to end at 441,500 won.
POSCO Co Ltd rose 0.92 percent to end at 164,500 won.
Trade volume rose to 382 million shares versus 331 million shares a day earlier. Value was 1.8 trillion won, compared with 1.45 trillion won. Gainers outpaced losers by 502 to 233.
Foreign investors bought a net 92.4 billion won ($79.78 million) of shares and local institutions bought a net 178.1 billion won. Retail investors sold a net 295.4 billion won worth of shares.
The junior Kosdaq rose 1.41 percent to end at 351.42 points. The September KOSPI 200 futures index gained 1.70 points to 100.75 and the underlying KOSPI 200 spot index added 1.70 points to 101.18.