Korean shares closed lower Thursday snapping a four-day consecutive rise, as investors wait for Britons to cast their ballots to decide whether to exit from the European Union. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar. 

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 5.87 points, or 0.29 percent, to 1986.71. Trade volume was moderate at 449.59 million shares worth 4.16 trillion won.

As the biggest issue in the market is the upcoming British referendum, investors took to the sidelines keeping a close eye on the outcome due out Friday before deciding on future investment directions, analysts said. 

Institutions and foreigners bought a combined 217.7 billion won worth of domestic stocks. Individuals sold a net 265.9 billion won in stocks.

Among decliners, market bellwether Samsung Electronics Co. fell 1.04 percent to 1,430,000 won, state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp. edged down 1.18 percent to 58,500 won, and No. 1 refiner SK Innovation Co. was down 0.68 percent to 145,000 won. 

Supporting the broader market, top carmaker Hyundai Motor Co. climbed 0.71 percent to 141,000 won and No. 2 chip maker SK hynix Inc. rose 2.58 percent to 31,750 won.

In contrast, No. 2 container carrier Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. jumped 29.96 percent to 15,400 won as it has started talks to join a shipping alliance, a core condition to get a fresh fund from its creditors in the ongoing restructuring of shipping firms.

The local currency closed at 1,150.20 won against the U.S. dollar, up 4.20 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)