* KOSPI falls, foreigners net sellers

* Korean won weakens against dollar

* South Korea benchmark bond yield rises

SEOUL, April 16 (Reuters) - Round-up of South Korean financial markets:

** South Korean shares fell sharply on Tuesday, as risk appetite dampened on strong U.S. data and heightening tensions in the Middle East. The won weakened, while the benchmark bond yield rose.

** The benchmark KOSPI fell 49.33 points, or 1.85%, to 2,621.10 by 0132 GMT.

** U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March amid a surge in receipts at online retailers, data showed on Monday, further evidence pointing to a delay in the Federal Reserve's rate cuts.

** South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday there should be preemptive response to any risk factors arising from the tensions in the Middle East following Iran's attack on Israel.

** South Korea's vice finance minister said authorities would take immediate and bold measures in case of excessive volatility in financial markets.

** Among index heavyweights, chipmaker Samsung Electronics fell 2.55% and peer SK Hynix lost 4.20%, while battery maker LG Energy Solution slid 0.94%.

** Hyundai Motor shed 0.41% and sister automaker Kia Corp lost 0.09%, while search engine Naver and instant messenger Kakao were down 1.48% and down 0.73%, respectively.

** Of the total 926 traded issues, 128 shares advanced, while 769 declined.

** Foreigners were net sellers of shares worth 210.2 billion won ($150.36 million) on the main board.

** The won was quoted at 1,398.2 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform, 1.02% lower than its previous close at 1,384.0.

** In money and debt markets, June futures on three-year treasury bonds fell 0.03 point to 104.28.

** The most liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield rose by 0.8 basis points to 3.448%, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose by 1.8 basis points to 3.579%. ($1 = 1,398.0000 won) (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Rashmi Aich)