Seoul's benchmark KOSPI index edged up to a fresh six-and-a-half month closing high on Wednesday after a rangebound session, but momentum was seen slowing as investors search for further clues on market direction. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.22 percent to close at 2,028.65 points.
Offshore investors were net buyers for a fourth straight day, snapping up a net 289.6 billion won ($257.9 million) worth of shares, while institutional investors continued to provide weight on the other end, dumping a net 221.5 billion won worth to set a six-day selling streak.
Samsung Electronics touched a record intraday high for the sixth straight session, climbing to 1,200,000 won before easing back to finish up 1.44 percent at 1,197,000 won, an all-time closing peak. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index has gained 11.1 percent thus far on the year but analysts see it pausing for the short-term as a breakneck rally cools down. The KOSPI 200 index edged 0.28 percent higher while the junior, tech-heavy KOSDAQ rose 0.21 percent.