South Korean stocks started slightly lower Thursday, as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of the central bank's rate decision, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index shed 2.38 points, or 0.12 percent, to 1,994.89 in the first 30 minutes of trading.

The Bank of Korea is holding a rate-decision meeting, with the results to be announced soon.

Major shares started mixed, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics and automaking giant Hyundai Motor trading in negative terrain.

The local currency was trading at 1,151.6 won against the U.S. dollar as of 10:30 a.m., up 3.3 won from Wednesday's close.

The stock market started one hour later than usual at 10 a.m.

to ease traffic congestion for students heading to test centers to take the nationwide college entrance exam. It will close at 4 p.m. (Yonhap)