The KOSPI on Thursday ended the week up more than 2 percent, recovering part of the previous day's sharp losses. Foreign investors in particular turned net buyers after 12 sessions.

The KOSPI closed up 143.25 points, or 2.74 percent, at 5,377.30. The index opened up 141.45 points, or 2.70 percent, at 5,375.50 and briefly climbed above 5,400.

By investor group, foreigners and institutions were net buyers worth 808.5 billion won and 716.9 billion won, respectively, leading the rebound. Foreigners returned to net buying for the first time in 12 sessions, the first since March 18. Retail investors, meanwhile, were net sellers worth 2.0879 trillion won.

Top stocks by market value showed mixed moves.

Samsung Electronics ended up 4.37 percent at 186,200 won and SK Hynix closed up 5.54 percent at 876,000 won.

Hyundai Motor rose 1.18 percent, Hanwha Aerospace gained 2.26 percent, SK Square advanced 2.88 percent and Doosan Enerbility climbed 3.21 percent.

LG Energy Solution fell 1.48 percent to 398,500 won, Samsung Biologics declined 1.96 percent to 1,554,000 won and Kia slid 0.27 percent to 150,200 won.

The KOSDAQ closed up 7.41 points, or 0.70 percent, at 1,063.75.

In Seoul's foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate was 1,506.40 won, down 6.10 won, or 0.40 percent, from the previous session.