Korea Exchange Pauses KOSPI Trading for 20 Minutes After Index Drops More Than 8 Percent

The Korea Exchange activated its circuit breaker on June 23, 2026, pausing KOSPI trading for 20 minutes after the index fell more than 8 percent from the previous close. Yonhap reported that the measure took effect at approximately 2:33 p.m. local time.

Foreign investors sold large-cap technology stocks on profit-taking, Yonhap reported, as the decline tracked an overnight slump in U.S. tech shares. The activation marked the fourth time the exchange has triggered the circuit breaker in 2026.

A screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul displayed the benchmark gauge during the session, Yonhap reported. The Korea Exchange operates South Korea's main bourse.