What is the KOSPI?

The KOSPI is the benchmark stock index that expresses the market capitalization of companies listed on the Korea Exchange's KOSPI market relative to a base date.

It is calculated with the market capitalization on January 4, 1980 set at 100; originally called the Composite Stock Price Index, it has been called the KOSPI since November 2005. When the number of listed shares changes through paid-in or bonus capital increases, mergers and the like, the base market capitalization is adjusted to keep the index continuous.