(LEAD) Seoul shares soar over 4 pct to snap 3-day slide on tech rally, oil prices fall

What happened: South Korean stocks closed more than 4 percent higher, snapping a three-day slide, as technology shares rallied and oil prices fell on hopes for a possible end to the Middle East war. Key numbers: KOSPI closed up 220.28 points, or 4.39 percent, at 5,239.13. Why it matters: An analyst cited by Yonhap attributed the gain to U.S. semiconductor shares rising for a second session, with the PHLX chip index up 6.85 percent, boosting South Korean stocks in the semiconductor value chain. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

South Korean stocks closed more than 4 percent higher, snapping a three-day slide, as technology shares rallied and oil prices fell on hopes for a possible end to the Middle East war.

An analyst cited by Yonhap attributed the gain to U.S. semiconductor shares rising for a second session, with the PHLX chip index up 6.85 percent, boosting South Korean stocks in the semiconductor value chain.