What it is
KOSDAQ opened in 1996 as a market where small and mid-sized technology and venture companies can raise capital, similar in spirit to the US Nasdaq. The KOSDAQ index tracks the market as a whole.
Who is listed
Biotech and pharma, semiconductor equipment and materials, battery materials, games and entertainment. A technology special listing track lets some firms list before they are profitable.
What to keep in mind
Companies are smaller and retail investors trade a larger share, so prices swing more than on KOSPI. A single clinical result or contract headline can move a stock sharply, so read the original filing and the balance sheet.
This explanation is general information, not investment advice. Rules reflect September 2026 and may change; check official exchange and broker notices.