Seoul shares ended lower on Wednesday, led by key technology issues such as Samsung Electronics after a recent rally fizzled, but losses were capped as robust US quarterly earnings lifted select exporters. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended 0.47 percent lower at 916.27. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's top maker of memory chips, fell 1.23 percent to end at 480,000 won, while flat panel maker LG.Philips LCD Co Ltd fell 1.12 percent to 44,000 won.
Recent blue chip gainers also fell, with POSCO Co Ltd, the world's fifth-biggest steel maker, down 2.63 percent to 185,000 won, and top-ranked lender Kookmin Bank ending down 1.95 percent at 42,600 won.
Trade volume reached 413 million shares worth 2.5 trillion won compared to 431.7 million shares worth 2.7 trillion won on Tuesday. Gainers edged out losers by 399 to 347 with 68 titles ending flat.
Foreign investors sold a net of 21.2 billion won in shares on the main bourse, while retail investors bought a net of 35.5 billion won. Institutional investors sold a net of 26.4 billion won.
The March KOSPI 200 futures index fell 0.30 point to 119.50 and the underlying KOSPI 200 spot index shed 0.60 point to 118.90.