[DigitalToday reporter Oh Sang-yeop (오상엽)] South Korean stocks ended lower on March 13, pressured by heavy selling from foreign investors and institutions. The KOSPI fell more than 1 percent and slipped below 5,500, while the KOSDAQ held onto an intraday rebound to finish slightly higher.

The KOSPI ended down 96.01 points, or 1.72 percent, at 5,487.24. It opened down 3.06 percent at 5,412.39 from the previous session, and at one point narrowed its losses during the session, but ultimately failed to overcome the decline.

By investor type, retail investors alone posted net buying of 2.4584 trillion won, seeking to cushion the index's fall. Foreigners and institutions posted net selling of 1.4654 trillion won and 1.0331 trillion won, respectively, dragging the index lower.

Most of the top stocks by market capitalisation fell.

Samsung Electronics closed down 4,400 won, or 2.34 percent, at 183,500 won. SK Hynix fell 2.15 percent to 910,000 won. LG Energy Solution fell 3.91 percent, Samsung Biologics fell 2.03 percent, SK Square fell 3.61 percent, Hyundai Motor fell 0.77 percent and Kia fell 1.62 percent.

Hanwha Aerospace rose 1.57 percent. Doosan Enerbility also gained 2.90 percent to end at 106,500 won, outperforming in a down market.

The KOSDAQ ended up 4.56 points, or 0.40 percent, at 1,152.96. It overcame early losses to finish trading in slightly positive territory.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won stood at 1,493.70 per dollar, up 2.70 won, or 0.18 percent, from the previous session, based on the basic rate.