[DigitalToday reporter Oh Sang-yup (오상엽)] South Korean stocks are extending gains, influenced by a rebound in U.S. stock indexes as international oil prices fall. The KOSPI rises more than 2 percent to climb above the 5,700 level, and the KOSDAQ is also up in the 1 percent range.

As of 9:06 a.m. on March 17, the KOSPI is up 151.45 points, or 2.73 percent, from the previous session at 5,701.30. The index opened up 161.95 points, or 2.92 percent, at 5,711.80 and has held firm.

By investor type, retail investors are net buyers of 166.1 billion won, leading the index higher. Foreign investors and institutions are net sellers of 92.0 billion won and 74.9 billion won, respectively.

Most top market-cap stocks are rising.

Samsung Electronics is trading at 196,500 won, up 7,800 won, or 4.13 percent, from the previous session. SK Hynix is up 2.67 percent at 1,000,000 won, returning to the 'Million-nix' level.

Hyundai Motor, Kia and SK Square are also posting strong gains of around 4 to 5 percent, rising 5.93 percent, 4.75 percent and 5.69 percent, respectively. LG Energy Solution and Samsung Biologics are also firm, up 1.37 percent and 1.85 percent. Hanwha Aerospace, among the top market-cap names, is down 1.90 percent.

The KOSDAQ is up 11.92 points, or 1.05 percent, from the previous session at 1,150.21 at the same time.

In Seoul's foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate is at 1,492.20 won, up 0.70 won, or 0.05 percent, from the previous session.