Seoul - Shares fell 1.39 per cent Thursday on the Seoul stock exchange as concerns over the global economy persisted despite the US Senate's passing a rescue package for the troubled financial sector.

The benchmark Kospi index fell 20.02 points to close at 1,419.65.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers 573 to 234.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market slipped 8.85 points, or 2.01 per cent, to 432.10.

The won plunged to the lowest level against the dollar in more than five years.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,223.50 won, after 1,187.0 won on Wednesday. (dpa)