2025 Stock Market Close: Samsung Electronics & SK Hynix Hit Record Highs, KOSPI Ends at 4,214

Samsung Electronics & SK Hynix Achieve Best Returns of the Year

On the last trading day of the Korean stock market on the 30th, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both hit all-time highs, wrapping up the year on a strong note. Samsung closed up 0.33% at **119,900 KRW**, while SK Hynix finished with a 1.72% gain at **651,000 KRW**.[1][3]

Year-to-date, Samsung Electronics gained an impressive 124.5%, and SK Hynix surged by 279.09%. The recovery in the memory chip industry helped boost their stock prices in the second half of the year, driving overall market gains.[1]

KOSPI Slightly Down at Year-End, Investors’ Trading Trends

The KOSPI index declined by 0.15% to close at **4,214.17**, marking the end of this year's trading. Although it attempted to break previous highs during the day, profit-taking sales limited the upward movement.[3][5]

Foreign investors and institutions sold a combined total of **KRW 486.7 billion** and **KRW 369.1 billion**, respectively, while individual investors bought **KRW 821.3 billion** net. The KOSDAQ index rose 0.76% to close at **925.47**.[3]

• KOSPI: 4,214.17 (up 75% since the start of the year)
• Samsung Electronics: 119,900 KRW (all-time high)
• SK Hynix: 651,000 KRW (all-time high)

Slowing Job Market: Hiring Expected to Drop 12% in Early 2026

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 30th that from the fourth quarter of this year through the first quarter of 2026, corporate hiring plans are expected to decrease by **12%**. The number of job openings has been trending downward compared to last year.[6]

Small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 300 employees are tightening their belts, with job openings dropping by **103,200 jobs (-8.4%)** and new hires decreasing by **94,500 jobs (-7.3%)**. The vacancy rate fell by 1.1 percentage points to **8.4%**.[6]

ETFs Reach a New Milestone of 300 Trillion Won

According to the Korea Exchange, the total net assets of domestic ETFs surged to **KRW 297.2 trillion**, a significant increase from last year. The number of listed ETF products also surpassed **1,000**, reflecting market growth.[7]

Global SeAH Group Plans Major Sale of Paper Division

Global SeAH Group is moving forward with a **KRW 2 trillion** sale of its paper division, including brands like Tairim Packaging and Jeonju Paper. This follows aggressive M&A activity and restructuring efforts.[8]

After the market closes on December 31, the Korean stock market will reopen on January 2. The rally this year was largely driven by strength in the semiconductor sector.[1]