South Korea’s stock markets open one hour later on Nov. 19 due to the nationwide college entrance examination. The Korea Exchange (KRX) says trading on the main KOSPI and secondary KOSDAQ markets begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. The after-market trading session also starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m., with the times adjusted from the usual schedule.
The change is linked to the day’s testing schedule. The KRX points to the one-day standardized College Scholastic Ability Test, taking place across the country. One report notes that more than 551,000 high school seniors and graduates are taking the exam, citing the education ministry. Across the two outlets provided, both frame the story primarily as a trading-hours adjustment tied to the entrance exam.
