[DigitalToday reporter Sangyeob Oh (오상엽)] South Korea's KOSPI surged more than 4 percent early on May 11, quickly breaking above the 7,800 level to set a record high. Semiconductor shares such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are rising sharply, leading gains in the index.

As of 9:02 a.m., the KOSPI is up 305.83 points, or 4.08 percent, at 7,803.83 from the previous session. The index opened up 277.31 points, or 3.70 percent, at 7,775.31 and has extended gains.

By investor type, individuals are net buyers of 343.3 billion won, while foreigners and institutions are net sellers of 67.2 billion won and 279.4 billion won, respectively.

Most of the top market-cap stocks are posting gains. Samsung Electronics jumped 6.33 percent to 285,500 won, while SK Hynix surged 10.02 percent to 1,855,000 won.

Samsung C&T also rose 12.07 percent. SK Square gained 7.38 percent, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries climbed 4.26 percent, Hanwha Aerospace added 3.60 percent and Hyundai Motor rose 1.14 percent.

LG Energy Solution fell 1.89 percent and Doosan Enerbility slipped 0.31 percent.

The KOSDAQ was trading up 1.53 points, or 0.13 percent, at 1,209.25 at the same time.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won was at 1,467.00 per dollar, down 3.00 won from the previous session.