South Korean stocks closed higher for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, as investors awaited the US payroll data and further indications of the US rate policy direction from the ongoing Jackson Hole symposium. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) gained 0.17 percent to close at 2,701.13, with moderate trade volume and a mix of gainers and losers. Foreigners bought a net 30.5 billion won worth of shares, while individuals offloaded a net 11.4 billion won and institutions sold a net 26.7 billion won. Investors remained cautious amid anticipation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks and the impact of the US non-farm payroll data on market expectations. In Seoul, top tech companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix experienced mixed performances, with Samsung Electronics losing 0.76 percent and SK hynix decreasing by 3.56 percent. Meanwhile, Naver, a prominent search engine operator, declined by 0.13 percent, while its competitor Kakao recorded a modest gain of 0.27 percent. Steelmakers like Posco Holdings and Korea Zinc closed higher, while chemical shares including LG Chem and SK Innovation also ended on a bullish note. The local currency fell against the US dollar, trading at 1,336.6 won as of 3:30 p.m., down 3.4 won from the previous session.