South Korean stocks opened marginally higher Wednesday amid uncertainties on the U.S. monetary policy that continues to keep investors directionless following a steep fall in the previous session, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 1.65 points, or 0.09 percent, to 1,889.50 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

During that period of time, the main index bobbed in and out of positive territory, with foreigners and institutions dumping stocks while retail investors opted for risky assets.

Auto blue-chips helped the KOSPI move upwards, with Hyundai Motor-affiliated Kia Motors soaring more than 2.5 percent.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics was up 0.8 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,117.85 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 2.95 won from Tuesday's close. (Yonhap News)