* KOSPI rises nearly 2%, foreigners net buyers
* Korean won jumps against U.S. dollar
* South Korea benchmark bond yield flat
* For the midday report, please click
SEOUL, July 18 (Reuters) - Round-up of South Korean financial markets:
** South Korean shares rose nearly 2% on Monday, led by heavyweight chipmakers, while easing economic recession worries after strong U.S. data also boosted sentiment. The won strengthened, while the benchmark bond yield was flat.
** The benchmark KOSPI ended up 44.27 points, or 1.90%, at 2,375.25, its highest closing since June 29.
** Technology giant Samsung Electronics and peer SK Hynix rallied for a second session and closed up 3.17% and 2.33%, respectively, at their highest since mid-June.
** Among other market heavyweights, internet platform companies Naver and Kakao rose 6.71% and 3.85% each, while battery maker LG Energy Solution lost 1.75%.
** Strong U.S. economic indicators also lifted sentiment, though there is a possibility that the strength may be temporary, said Mirae Asset Securities' analyst Seo Sang-young.
** U.S. data released on Friday eased economic recession worries with stronger-than-expected retail sales, an uptick in consumer sentiment, lower inflation expectations and cooling import prices.
** South Korea will exempt taxes on income from investing in Korean treasury bonds to attract foreign investment, finance minister Choo Kyung-ho told reporters on Sunday during his Bali visit.
** Foreigners were net buyers of shares worth 632.8 billion won ($480.41 million) on the main board, their biggest daily purchase since May 31.
** The won was last quoted at 1,317.4 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform, 0.66% higher than its previous close.
** In offshore trading, the won was quoted up 0.1% at 1,317.0 per dollar, while in non-deliverable forward trading its one-month contract was quoted at 1,316.5.
** In money and debt markets, September futures on three-year treasury bonds was flat at 104.94 in late afternoon trade.
** The most liquid 3-year Korean treasury bond yield fell by 2.1 basis points to 3.195%, while the benchmark 10-year yield inched down by 0.2 basis point to 3.255%. ($1 = 1,317.2200 won) (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Rashmi Aich)