The KOSPI set a new intraday record high but closed around the 6,240 level after a heavy wave of foreign selling. It was the first decline in 7 sessions.

On Feb. 27, the KOSPI ended down 63.14 points, or 1.00 percent, at 6,244.13 from the previous session.

The index opened down 109.78 points, or 1.74 percent, at 6,197.49. It surged as high as 6,347.41 during the session to set a new 52-week high, but later extended losses and hit an intraday low of 6,153.87 in a volatile session.

By investor type, foreigners led the decline by net selling 569.04 billion won worth of shares. Retail investors and institutions, meanwhile, were net buyers of 533.5 billion won and 110.9 billion won worth, respectively, absorbing the supply.

Large-cap shares showed mixed moves.

Hyundai Motor rose 63,000 won, or 10.34 percent, to 672,000 won, standing out, while Kia also gained 0.97 percent.

Doosan Enerbility rose 2.31 percent, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained 1.01 percent and Hanwha Aerospace added 1.01 percent, as energy, shipbuilding and defense shares ended higher. Index heavyweight Samsung Electronics edged up 0.23 percent to 218,500 won.

SK Hynix, meanwhile, fell 2.46 percent to finish at 1,072,000 won. Other large caps, including LG Energy Solution, down 0.70 percent, SK Square, down 4.42 percent, and Samsung Biologics, down 0.23 percent, also ended lower.

The KOSDAQ ended up 4.63 points, or 0.39 percent, at 1,192.78.