South Korean shares gained on Tuesday for the third straight day as investor concerns eased around an AI bubble. In addition, gains in the US stock markets also pushed sentiment, which was a result of hopes of a Santa Claus rally toward the end of the year.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose by 11.39 points, or 0.3%, to end at 4,117.32. The Kosdaq decreased by 9.58 points, or 1.03%, to close at 919.56.

In economic news, South Korea's retail sales grew 4.2% in November from a year earlier, owing to improvements in consumer sentiment, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a Tuesday release.

Offline sales increased 2.9% last month from November 2024, while online sales jumped 5.3%.

In corporate news, shares of Hanwha Ocean (KRX:042660) jumped over 12% at market close on Tuesday after the company secured the Shinan-Ui offshore wind power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract from Shinan Ui Offshore Windpower Corporation.

The deal, valued at 1.972 billion won, is valid till June 19, 2029. Payment for the contract will be made in accordance with construction work, the shipbuilder said in a Tuesday filing with the Korea Exchange.