South Korea's KOSPI is taking a breather in early trade after breaking above the 6,300 level in intraday trading a day earlier. It opened lower for the first time in 7 sessions.

As of 9:24 a.m. on Thursday, the KOSPI was down 20.62 points, or 0.33 percent, from the previous session at 6,286.65.

The index opened down 109.78 points, or 1.74 percent, at 6,197.49. It then recouped some of its losses and was trading slightly lower.

By investor type, individuals and institutions were net buyers of 1.5937 trillion won and 301.6 billion won, respectively, supporting the index. Foreigners posted heavy net selling of 1.9350 trillion won, adding to downward pressure.

Top market-cap stocks were mixed. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics was up 2,000 won, or 0.92 percent, at 220,000 won, extending gains, while SK Hynix was down 1.18 percent at 1,086,000 won.

Hyundai Motor, Doosan Enerbility and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries were rising 0.16 percent, 4.34 percent and 0.51 percent, respectively. Most top market-cap stocks were weaker, including LG Energy Solution, SK Square, Samsung Biologics and Kia, down 0.12 percent, 0.88 percent, 0.96 percent and 1.70 percent, respectively.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ was down 12.38 points, or 1.04 percent, from the previous session at 1,175.77.