Political scandal at home still deepened, however, as reports said prosecutors summoned Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, which if true would make him the latest head of a South Korean conglomerate to be questioned on the allegation of raising funds for foundations involving her friend, Choi Soon-sil.
The won was quoted at 1,170.6 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, up 0.1 percent from Monday's close of 1,171.9.
South Korean shares edged down as foreign investors sold local equities for three consecutive sessions, offloading a net 206.7 billion won ($176.79 million) worth for the day.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 0.3 percent at 1,967.53 points.