By Yoo Na-hyunPosted : January 22, 2026, 16:33Updated : January 22, 2026, 17:17
This image shows the moment when the benchmark KOSPI index surpassed the 5,000 mark during morning trading at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Jan. 22.2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI has touched the 5,000 mark for the first time in its history to cause euphoria on Thursday when the country reported a grim economic data, showing the gross domestic product contracting 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter.
The KOSPI closed 0.9 percent up at 4,952.53 after rising as high as 5,019.54. The main index has cracked a new four-digit momentum in just two months since passing the 4,000 mark.
The benchmark KOSPI index surpasses the 5,000 mark during morning trading at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Jan. 22.2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
The benchmark KOSPI index surpasses the 5,000 mark during morning trading at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Jan. 22.2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun