South Korean stocks opened almost flat Thursday amid rising concerns over a possible economic slowdown in China, the top trading partner of Asia's fourth-largest economy, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved up 2.87 points, or 0.14 percent, to 2,038.62 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Logistics firms gathered ground, with Hyundai Glovis adding 3.77 percent and top air carrier Korean Air rising 1.76 percent. CJ Korea Express gained 0.33 percent.

In contrast, carmakers opened bearish, with No. 1 Hyundai Motor falling 0.77 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors moving down 0.63 percent. Leading auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis declined 0.17 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,055.95 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 0.15 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)