Seoul: South Korean stocks turned slightly higher late Friday morning, driven by strong gains in food and auto shares. Starting weaker, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) had gained 0.56 point, or 0.02 percent, to 2,621.92 as of 11:20 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, food and beverage companies led the turnaround. Samyang Food, known for the global hit Buldak Ramen, surged 18.77 percent on its record-breaking first-quarter earnings. Its ramen rival Nongshim also soared 10.24 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor rose 0.41 percent, and defense giant Hanwha Aerospace advanced 2.07 percent.
However, top-cap Samsung Electronics fell 0.87 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution sank 4.4 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,396.85 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 4.15 won from the previous session.