South Korean stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday as Iran said that it would guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for a two-week ceasefire.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 309.92 points, or 5.64 percent, to 5,804.7 at the opening bell.

The Korea Exchange activated a five-minute buy-side sidecar on the main bourse shortly afterward, temporarily halting program-driven buy orders in KOSPI futures. (Yonhap)

An official works at a dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on April 7, 2026. (Yonhap)
An official works at a dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on April 7, 2026. (Yonhap)