Financial data is shown on a screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Seoul stocks returned earlier gains late Wednesday morning, as investors offloaded semiconductors and large-cap tech shares.
After opening sharply higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) changed its trajectory, to fall 272.5 points, or 3.21 percent, to 8,203.98, as of 11:20 a.m.
Overnight, U.S. stocks closed higher on a continued chip rally, while investors closely watched developments regarding peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
The two sides are expected to meet in Qatar's capital this week for further negotiations.
