Seoul  - Shares jumped Thursday on the Seoul stock exchange on the central bank's decision to freeze its key interest rate for the second straight month and expectations for better corporate earnings ahead. South Korea's won rose against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 54.28 points, or 4.3 per cent, to close at 1,316.35.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners 780 to 109.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market gained 20.62 points, or 4.47 per cetn, to close at 481.45.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,322.45 Korean won, after 1,354.50 won on Wednesday. (dpa)