As of 30 July 2026, the KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) is up approximately 41–50% year-to-date (YTD), despite experiencing a sharp correction during July. The exact figure depends on whether it is measured in Korean won or U.S. dollar terms and the observation date. Reuters reported the index remained about 41.5% higher YTD in USD terms after the late-July selloff. (Reuters)
KOSPI Calendar Year Returns (Past 10 Years)
| Year | Calendar Return |
|---|---|
| 2025 | +76.0% |
| 2024 | -9.6% |
| 2023 | +18.7% |
| 2022 | -24.9% |
| 2021 | +3.6% |
| 2020 | +30.8% |
| 2019 | +7.7% |
| 2018 | -17.3% |
| 2017 | +21.8% |
| 2016 | +3.3% |
2026 Performance (YTD)
| As of | Return |
|---|---|
| 30 Jul 2026 | Approximately +41% to +50% (after the July correction) (Reuters) |
Observations
2025 was the strongest year since 1999, driven by AI-related semiconductor stocks, particularly Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. (Reuters)
2026 began with another exceptional rally before suffering one of the sharpest corrections in KOSPI history during July as AI valuations and leveraged positions unwound. Even after that correction, the index remains one of the world's best-performing major equity markets for the year. (Reuters)
Over the last decade, the KOSPI has experienced several swings of more than 20%, highlighting its cyclical and technology-heavy nature.
Below is a comparison of price index calendar-year returns (excluding dividends) for the KOSPI and the S&P 500 over the last 10 completed calendar years.
| Year | KOSPI | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +75.6% | +17.9% |
| 2024 | -9.6% | +23.3% |
| 2023 | +18.7% | +24.2% |
| 2022 | -24.9% | -19.4% |
| 2021 | +3.6% | +26.9% |
| 2020 | +30.8% | +16.3% |
| 2019 | +7.7% | +28.9% |
| 2018 | -17.3% | -6.2% |
| 2017 | +21.8% | +19.4% |
| 2016 | +3.3% | +9.5% |
The KOSPI figures are price returns in Korean won. The S&P 500 figures are price returns in U.S. dollars, excluding dividends. (Wikipedia)
Summary
| Metric (2016–2025) | KOSPI | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Positive years | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Negative years | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Best year | +75.6% (2025) | +28.9% (2019) |
| Worst year | -24.9% (2022) | -19.4% (2022) |
| Average annual return | ≈11.9% | ≈14.1% |
Key observations
The S&P 500 has been much more consistent, posting positive returns in eight of the last ten years and compounding steadily.
The KOSPI has been considerably more volatile, with large swings in both directions. It experienced three double-digit declines (2018, 2022, and 2024) but also delivered an exceptional +75.6% gain in 2025, driven largely by a rally in AI-related semiconductor companies. (Wikipedia)
Excluding the extraordinary 2025 rally, the S&P 500 significantly outperformed the KOSPI over the decade on both consistency and cumulative returns.
For an international investor, currency movements matter. The table above shows local-currency returns; a U.S. dollar investor in Korean equities would have experienced different returns due to fluctuations in the Korean won. (Gongsi Today)
Overall, the comparison highlights a classic trade-off:
S&P 500: Higher consistency, lower volatility, stronger long-term compounding.
KOSPI: Higher cyclicality, greater volatility, and the potential for very large gains during favorable technology and semiconductor cycles.
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