Korean stocks experienced severe panic selling on March 4th, 2026, as major indices plummeted during trading hours. The selloff triggered circuit breakers in Seoul, halting trading multiple times as investors rushed to exit positions. Technology giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw their shares drop by double digits, dragging down the broader market.

Market volatility spread across Asia-Pacific exchanges, with Hong Kong and Tokyo also experiencing heightened selling pressure. The panic appeared linked to concerns about rising interest rates and slowing global economic growth, though specific catalysts remained unclear in early trading. Foreign investors led the exodus, with net selling reaching record levels in the morning session.

Trading floors in Seoul were chaotic as brokers struggled to handle the volume of sell orders. The KOSPI index fell below key psychological levels, erasing months of gains in a single session. Analysts warned that the extreme volatility could persist if selling pressure continues, potentially triggering a broader regional market correction.