South Korean shares traded almost unchanged late Friday morning as gains in tech stocks were offset by losses in automakers.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 0.55 point, or 0.03 percent, to 1,900.56 as of 11:20 a.m.

Large caps traded mixed with tech giant Samsung Electronics advancing 0.44 percent.

Top portal operator Naver surged 2.76 percent, with leading steelmaker POSCO gaining 0.93 percent.

In contrast, automakers and chemical shares were in negative terrain.

No. 1 automaker Hyundai Motor plunged 2.13 percent, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors lost 1.39 percent.

Industry leader LG Chem shed 1.4 percent.

The South Korean won gained ground against the U.S. dollar after dipping to the lowest level since July 19, 2010, in the previous session.

The local currency was trading at 1210.10 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 3.30 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)