South Korean shares declined first in three sessions Monday on external uncertainties such as monetary policy meeting in Europe and the United States and general elections in Greece.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) inched down 3.75 points, or 0.19 percent, to 1,920.95 at the close. Trading volume stood at 308.85 million shares worth 3.5 trillion won (3.24 billion U.S. dollars).
Foreigners led the market decline by selling a net 85.6 billion won worth of stocks ahead of major events in the United States and Europe this month.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to hold a regular policy meeting on Dec. 22 amid expectations that it may expand its liquidity-providing program on lower global oil prices, which fell below 50 dollars per barrel.