July 1 (Reuters) – Seoul shares dipped 0.7 percent on Thursday, weighed by weaker than expected Chinese manufacturing data, with losses led by Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) on reports its parent group could bid for Hyundai E&C (000720.KS).

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished down 12.05 points at 1,686.24 points.

(Reporting by Jungyoun Park; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)