(LEAD) Seoul shares plunge over 3 pct on tech sell-off amid Mideast, inflation woes

Seoul shares suffered a significant decline of over 3 percent on Monday, marking the fourth consecutive losing day for the market. The primary driver of the decline was a massive sell-off in technology stocks, which was exacerbated by inflation concerns and high oil prices. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell by 241.69 points, or 3.65 percent, closing at 6,384.24.

Trading activity was moderate, with 313 million shares traded, totaling 21.33 trillion won. Decliners outnumbered advancers by a ratio of 717 to 166.

The decline was attributed to rebalancing of semiconductor-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and fears that Samsung Electronics and SK hynix may have completed their treasury stock purchases. Analyst Lim Seung-mi from Hana Securities Co. noted this in her research. Rising oil prices were also a concern, as tensions in the Middle East due to renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's main airport increased the risk of a broader regional conflict.

This could further disrupt energy supplies, adding to inflationary pressures and complicating the Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation.

Key companies affected by the sell-off included Samsung Electronics, which fell by 4.39 percent to 250,500 won; its chipmaking rival SK hynix, which dropped by 4.52 percent to 1.6 million won; defense giant Hanwha Aerospace, down 3.25 percent to 862,000 won; and carmaker Hyundai Motor, which declined by 1.39 percent to 320,000 won.

On the brighter side, shipping firm HMM rose by 4.81 percent to 21,800 won, and tobacco company KT&G climbed by 1.58 percent to 180,200 won. The Korean won traded at 1,335.1 won against the U.S. dollar by mid-afternoon, up from 1,342.8 won at the close of the previous trading session.