(LEAD) Seoul shares open higher on tech gains despite renewed Hormuz tensions

The Seoul stock market started the day with a positive vibe, driven by tech shares despite growing Middle East tensions. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 79.21 points, or 1.26 percent, to 6,375.59 by 9:15 a.m., marking a 1.09 percent increase from the previous close. The previous day, the index had plummeted by 4.58 percent, largely due to tech stock downturns.

Meanwhile, global markets faced a downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the U.S. gaining 0.85 percent and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite climbing 0.06 percent. The U.S. stocks' performance was influenced by the uncertainty surrounding a potential deal between the U.S. and Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has reportedly announced its intention to bar U.S. and Israeli vessels from the critical waterway, demanding reparations from hostile nations before permitting passage.

Notable gains were seen in Samsung Electronics, up 2.49 percent, and SK hynix, rising 0.6 percent. POSCO Holdings, a prominent steel producer, increased 2.51 percent, and Korea Aerospace Industries surged 4.6 percent. Conversely, Hyundai Motor, the nation's leading automobile manufacturer, declined 1.94 percent, and Korea Electric Power Corp., a state-owned utility, saw a 1.81 percent drop.

At 9:15 a.m., the Korean won was valued at 1,424.70 won per U.S. dollar, a 0.6 won decrease from the previous day's closing rate.