Foreign Investors Net Sell 150 Trillion Won of Korean Stocks in H1 2026; Samsung, SK Hynix Account for 136 Trillion

According to Korea Exchange, foreign investors conducted net sales of 150.26 trillion won on the Korean stock market in the first half of 2026, marking a record for any half-year period. The selling streak continued for 12 consecutive trading days through July 6, even as KOSPI surged 91.9% year-to-date from 4,214 to 8,088.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix were the primary targets, with foreign investors selling 75.51 trillion won and 60.53 trillion won respectively, accounting for 90% of total net sales. Despite heavy outflows, foreign investors' KOSPI holding ratio rose from 36.65% in January to 40.47% by early July, driven by gains in their existing positions. Market analysts attribute the selling to profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing rather than pessimism. SK Hynix's Nasdaq ADR listing scheduled for July may boost dollar supply and stabilize the Korean won.