SEOUL: South Korean stocks traded 0.27 percent lower late Friday morning as investor sentiment was dragged down by lackluster Greek debt talks and a fast-spreading infectious disease here, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 5.52 points to 2,067.34 as of 11:20 a.m.
Shinhan Financial Group, the biggest banking group, retreated 1.73 percent and KB Financial Group dropped 1.29 percent.
Leading tourist agency Hana Tour Service dipped 3.28 percent and Mode Tour Network skidded 0.15 percent.
South Korea on Friday reported its fourth death from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The local currency was trading at 1,111.1 won to the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 2.8 won from Thursday’s close.