The sector's gains were a sharp contrast to the wider Kospi, which was down 2% and is currently leading Asian losses.

Oil prices continue to rise Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz,

Emirates airline said it will resume a limited number of flights as early as Monday afternoon.

Airlines and some hotel stocks fell after the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliation strikes.

The Middle East conflict has stoked fears of prolonged disruption to global trade via key maritime corridors.