Seoul stocks fell almost 1 percent on Tuesday, led by a decline in key exporters such as Hyundai Motor on concerns about the impact of a strong won, and as investors traded cautiously ahead of a US Fed meeting. A spike in crude oil prices hit transportation shares such as Korean Air, while LG Card Co Ltd tumbled 15 percent to 4,640 won, hit by its higher-than-expected 5.5 to one share cancellation plan announced on Monday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended down 0.97 percent at 923.69.
Concerns about a dip in price competitiveness saw top local carmaker Hyundai Motor Co fall 3.26 percent to 56,300 won, pressured further after BNP Paribas Peregrine downgraded its rating to "market perform," citing currency risks.
Shares in local top air carrier Korean Air Co fell 1.38 percent to end at 17,850 won, while shipping firm Hyundai Merchant Marine Co fell 2.95 percent to 14,800 won.
On an upward track, Kookmin Bank rose 1.14 percent to close at 44,500 won as investors bet South Korea's biggest lender would report better-than-expected earnings on Thursday.
Trade volume reached 434 million shares worth 2.3 trillion won compared to 466 million shares worth 2.2 trillion won on Monday. Gainers edged out losers by 374 to 362 with 80 titles ending flat.
Foreign investors bought a net of 106.9 billion won ($104.2 million) in shares on the main bourse, while retail investors bought a net of 80.9 billion won. Institutional investors sold a net of 135.2 billion won.
The March KOSPI 200 futures index fell 0.95 point to 120.25 and the underlying KOSPI 200 spot index shed 1.06 points to 120.00. The over-the-counter Kosdaq fell 0.04 percent to finish at 472.74.