Seoul shares finished firmer on Tuesday, snapping a four-day losing streak, as Kookmin Bank and other financials gained amid hopes solid earnings in the sector would offset a string of disappointing results from tech firms.
LG Electronics Inc fell 1.67 percent to 70,700 won after it said third-quarter net profit came in well below analysts' forecasts, overshadowing an upbeat outlook for its key mobile phone business. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.84 percent to end at 1,186.22.
Foreign investors were sellers for an 18th consecutive session, bringing their total sales during that period to some 2.5 trillion won ($2.39 billion). Seoul's main index slid 5.4 percent over the past four sessions.
Top local lender Kookmin Bank rose 3.53 percent to 58,700 won, after falling 9.3 percent over the past four sessions. Fourth-ranked Hana Bank rose 3.9 percent to 40,000 won ahead of its third quarter results due out on Friday.
Daegu Bank rose 0.41 percent to 12,200 won after it said net profit in the third quarter rose 51.3 percent to 62.4 billion won ($59.54 million) from a year earlier. The stock rose as much as 2 percent immediately after it reported its earnings.
POSCO Co Ltd, the world's fifth-biggest steel maker, gained 1.92 percent to 212,000 won.
Trade volume reached around 520 million shares worth 4 trillion won compared to 482.1 million shares worth 3.4 trillion won on Monday. Gainers edged out decliners by 407 to 336 with 77 titles ending flat.
Foreign investors sold a net 195 billion won on the main bourse, data at 0615 GMT showed. Institutional investors bought a net 324.5 billion won while retail investors sold a net 165 billion won.
The December KOSPI 200 futures index rose 1.95 points to 152.55, while the underlying KOSPI 200 spot index added 1.41 points to 152.26.
South Korea's junior and tech heavy Kosdaq market rose 0.71 percent to finish at 591.77.