The Korea Exchange on April 27 said the main stock price index KOSPI closed at 6,615.03, up 139.40 points (2.15%) from the previous trading day as shown on the electronic board at the dealing room of Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui

The value of the domestic stock market has surpassed KRW 6,000 trillion for the first time, an incredible 270% jump in just over a year largely led by a semiconductor-driven rally.

The Korea Exchange on April 27 said the main stock price index KOSPI closed at 6,615.03, up 139.40 points (2.15%) from the previous trading day, and the secondary index KOSDAQ at 1,226.18, up 22.34 (1.86%).

By investor type, institutional (KRW 1.1 trillion) and foreign investors (KRW 900.1 billion) showed high net buying. Individual investors net sold KRW 1.97 trillion.

As KOSPI surpassed the 6,600 mark to set yet another record high, the total market capitalization of both KOSPI and KOSDAQ exceeded KRW 6,000 trillion for the first time.

KOSPI hit its lowest point last year on April 9 with a market cap was KRW 2,210 trillion, but has since skyrocketed around 270% in value to KRW 3,000 trillion in July last year, KRW 4,000 trillion in January this year and KRW 5,000 trillion in February.

Semiconductors led this bullish run. Samsung Electronics traded at KRW 222,000, up 1.14%, and SK Hynix KRW 1,281,000, up 4.83%, setting all-time highs during intraday trading.

kgh89@korea.kr