Korean Shares Rally as Record Chip Exports Strengthen Growth Case

Seoul, 1 October 2026 – South Korean shares ended nearly 2% higher after record semiconductor exports gave investors fresh evidence that the country’s technology cycle remains strong. The Kospi gained 133.31 points, or 1.95%, to close at 6,971.35. The rise reversed an earlier decline and placed export earnings, rather than the morning’s caution, at the centre of the session.

Government figures showed September exports reached US$120.94 billion, an 83.5% increase from a year earlier. Semiconductor shipments rose 263%, while exports outside the chip sector grew 23%. The distinction is important. The record was driven heavily by a technology boom, yet the non-chip increase suggests the expansion was not confined entirely to one product group. Investors still need to examine the underlying destination and product mix before treating the pace as permanent.