South Korean stocks closed 1.23 percent lower on Wednesday as the technology and financial sectors suffered sharp losses amid lingering market jitters over global economic uncertainties, analysts said. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slumped 21.9 points to 1,754.78, reversing from the previous session's gain. Trading volume was heavy at 408 million shares worth 7.7 trillion won (US$7.1 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 557 to 270.