Round-up of South Korean financial markets:

 

** South Korean shares rose for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, led by automakers and battery manufacturers, although chipmakers' losses capped further gains on the benchmark index. The Korean won weakened, while the benchmark bond yield rose.

** The benchmark KOSPI ended up 8.98 points, or 0.37%, at 2,443.92, hitting its highest closing level since March 7.

** Hyundai Motor Co rose 1.86% and sister automaker Kia Corp jumped 3.38%, marking the biggest gains among the index heavyweights.

** Battery-maker LG Energy Solution Ltd gained 1.04%, while peers Samsung SDI Co Ltd and SK Innovation Co Ltd added 1.80% and 0.80%, respectively.

** Bucking the trend, chipmakers Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc fell 0.32% and 1.70% each, after U.S. rival Micron Technology Inc forecast its third-quarter revenue to tumble nearly 60% from a year earlier.

** "There was little volatility in the market amid a wait-and-seen mood seen broadly," said analyst Na Jeong-hwan at NH Investment and Securities.

** South Korea may consider easing stock short-selling rules later this year if the current turmoil in financial markets ends soon, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service said.

** Travel and retail stocks rallied on a government package plan aimed at boosting domestic consumption and attracting foreign tourists.

** Low-cost carrier T'way Air Co Ltd jumped 7.50%, while Jin Air Co Ltd and JejuAir Co Ltd each climbed 6.06%. Hotel Shilla Co Ltd added 2.54% and Amorepacific Corp gained 2.72%.

** Of the total 933 issues traded, 553 shares advanced.

** Foreigners were net buyers of shares worth 6.4 billion won ($4.9 million).

** The won ended onshore trade 0.30% lower at 1,302.7 per dollar.

** In money and debt markets, June futures on three-year treasury bonds rose 0.09 points to 105.07.

** The most liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield fell by 0.2 basis points (bps) to 3.257%, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose by 1.7 bps to 3.298%. ($1 = 1,303.0100 won) (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Sonia Cheema)