South Korean shares declined more than 2% on Monday, bringing to a halt a four-session winning streak as investors booked profits in large-cap technology stocks. Shares of major market movers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) fell over 5% at market close.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 191.18 points, or about 2.7%, to close at 6,889.74. The Kosdaq rose by 2.1 points, or 0.25%, to close at 846.58.

In economic news, South Korea's business sentiment for the fourth quarter improved, driven by robust exports of semiconductors and cosmetics, Yonhap Agency reported on Sunday, citing a survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

The business survey index (BSI) for 2,413 manufacturing companies nationwide came in at 86 for the October-December period, up 6 points from the previous quarter.

Despite the improving sentiment, 60.4% of companies expect their 2026 operating profits to fall short of targets set at the beginning of the year due to elevated raw material and energy prices.

In corporate news, Mirae (KRX:025560) secured a supply contract for semiconductor inspection equipment from Yiling Trading, according to a Monday filing with the Korea Exchange.

The contract, valued at 53.1 billion won, is valid till May 30, 2027.

Shares of Mirae rose more than 10% at market close.