South Korean stocks finished 0.78 percent lower Wednesday as large-cap shipbuilders and automakers weighed down the market amid subdued trading, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dipped 16.36 points to 2,083.35. Trading volume was thin at 272 million shares worth 6.5 trillion won (US$6.01 billion) with losers leading gainers 516 to 290.