South Korean share prices closed 2.33 percent lower, with sentiment hit by high oil prices and the Bank of Japan's rate hike, dealers said.
They said the market remained weak throughout the session, with foreign investors selling in the spot and futures markets to send the main index below 1,250 points at one stage.
The KOSPI index closed down 29.89 points at 1,255.13, coming off a low of 1,246.65. Falls overwhelmed rises by 607 to 150.
Hong Kong share prices closed 1.04 percent lower as oil prices hit a fresh record, triggering renewed worries over inflation and interest rates, dealers said.
Wall Street's heavy losses overnight added to the pressure.
The Hang Seng Index lost 169.77 points at 16,135.71, off a low of 16,062.60. For the week, the index was down 324.07 points or 1.97 percent.
"Several factors made investors cautious and even jittery, including the record high oil prices which could fuel inflation and cause a fresh round of interest rate increase," said Andrew Sullivan, head of sales trading at Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong.
He said the Bank of Japan's decision to raise interest rates, though expected, also kept the mood subdued.
Chinese share prices closed 0.57 percent higher, steadying as investors picked up bargains selectively after Thursday's sharp losses, dealers said.
The Shanghai A-share Index climbed 9.93 points to 1,750.85, and the Shenzhen A-share Index was up 2.86 points or 0.65 percent at 442.84. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B-shares, added 9.44 points or 0.57 percent at 1,665.21.
Sydney
Australian shares prices closed 2.33 percent lower following steep falls on Wall Street overnight as oil prices hit record highs amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, dealers said.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 plunged 118.5 points at 4,966.1, while the broader All Ordinaries dropped 110.9 points or 2.19 percent to 4,943.8.
Singapore share prices closed 1.38 percent lower as record high oil prices of more than US$78 a barrel weighed on sentiment amid an escalation of violence in the Middle East, dealers said.
The Straits Times Index fell 33.09 points to 2,363.55.
Malaysian share prices closed 1.39 percent lower in line with weaker regional markets as investors fretted over record oil prices and tensions in the Middle East, dealers said.
The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index shed 12.92 points to 913.63.
Indian share prices closed 1.66 percent lower on concerns of higher inflation led by crude oil prices and an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, dealers said.
The benchmark 30-share Mumbai stock exchange index finished down 180.28 points at 10,678.22.
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