Seoul - Shares leaped to their highest level in more than four months Thursday on the Seoul stock exchange following gains on Wall Street.

The benchmark Kospi index surged 41.96 points, or 2.3 per cent, to close at 1,885.71.

Advancing issues outnumbered losers 520 to 283.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 1.40 points to 653.54.

The US dollar was quoted at 1,045.10 won, after 1,047.20 won on Wednesday. (dpa)