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South Korean Won Hits 17-Year Low, KOSPI Plummets Amid Middle East Tensions

The closing price of the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) at 5,052.46 and the Won-to-Dollar exchange rate of 1,530.1 are displayed on an electronic board at the Korea Exchange (KRX) in Seoul, South Korea, on March 31, 2026. South Korean financial markets experience a sharp decline as the won reaches its weakest level since the 2009 global financial crisis, and the benchmark KOSPI falls over 4 percent, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and significant foreign selling. (Photo by Chris Jung/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13520261
Date Taken	31 March 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Chris Jung/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Chris Jung/NurPhoto

KOSPI Korea Composite Stock Price Index won-dollar exchange rate USD KRW foreign exchange Korea Exchange KRX Seoul Yeouido financial district stock market equities South Korea economy market volatility investors trading board electronic display finance global markets economic indicators KOSPI Korea Composite Stock Price Index closing price Won-to-Dollar exchange rate electronic board Korea Exchange KRX Seoul financial markets sharp decline weakest level 2009 global financial crisis benchmark dropped 4 percent geopolitical risks Middle East foreign selling Chris Jung NurPhoto South Korean exchange rate stock market economic impact currency depreciation investor sentiment market volatility financial crisis foreign exchange trading economic indicators stock exchange currency market.