KOSPI 4500 Milestone 2026: Chip Giants Drive Korea's Stock Market to Historic High

It's a new year, and South Korea's stock market is wasting no time. The KOSPI gained nearly 6% in just the first two trading sessions of 2026, shattering the 4,500 mark for the first time in history. This rally signals a robust confidence in corporate earnings and favorable policy shifts.

KOSPI 4500 Milestone Fueled by Semiconductor Giants

On Tuesday, the benchmark index jumped 67.96 points, or 1.52%, to close at a record 4,525.48. According to Yonhap, this comes just a day after the index crossed the 4,400 level. The charge was led by the nation's two largest chipmakers: Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

Samsung Electronics reached an all-time high of 138,900 won ($96), while SK hynix closed at 726,000 won. The AI-led semiconductor boom that started last year hasn't lost its steam, as both giants continue to rewrite record books almost daily.

Targeting 5,000: Analysts Eye Strong Earnings Outlook

Market analysts are increasingly bullish. Yuanta Securities recently raised its KOSPI target to a range of 4,200 to 5,200, citing massive earnings momentum. Global investment banks estimate the combined operating profit of Samsung and SK hynix could exceed 300 trillion won this year, an unprecedented figure for the South Korean market.