South Korean stocks opened almost flat Thursday following overnight gains on Wall Street buoyed by cooler-than-expected inflation data.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 0.8 point, or 0.01 percent, to 2,487.47 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

The local market opened an hour later, along with the government and all major institutions, including private businesses, to make room for the once-a-year national college entrance exam.

US stocks closed higher overnight following reports that the producer price index rose at a lower-than-expected rate in October, providing an additional sign of slowing inflation one day after the country reported a slower-than-expected increase in consumer price index.

The Dow Jones Industrial average added 0.47 percent, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.07 percent.

In Seoul, large caps traded mixed.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.83 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix losing 0.45 percent.

Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution fell 1.44 percent, while top mobile carrier SK Telecom added 0.97 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor rose 1.21 percent, with its smaller affiliate Kia soaring 2.09 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,307.75 won against the US dollar, down 6.95 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)

• ·Seoul to provide 10,000 portable safety alarms to potential gender
• ·Samsung sets up control tower for new growth drivers
• ·Koreans will 'freeze to death' for iced Americanos even in winter
• ·Former Hungarian ambassador receives Gwanghwa Medal
• ·Another search targets opposition leader in corruption probe
• ·Korea to start hiring E
• ·KIPO chief strengthens IP alliances with Middle Eastern counterparts
• ·군사력은 미국이 우위지만, 글로벌 공급망은 미·중 비등 [중앙포럼]
• ·'Making economy more dynamic a top priority': finance minister nominee
• ·[Herald Interview] Nam Woo
• ·홍준표, 하태경 종로 출마 선언에…"주사파 출신이 갈 곳 아니다"
• ·Former Hungarian ambassador receives Gwanghwa Medal
• ·Korean defense firms head to Egypt defense expo to expand market presence
• ·Samsung sets up control tower for new growth drivers
• ·Korea to start hiring E
• ·Hyundai Motor to halt Asan factory in Korea for EV factory construction