Seoul - Shares rallied Wednesday on the Seoul stock exchange on the first trading day after the lunar New Year holidays, led by gains of semiconductor and financial stocks. South Korea's won surged against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 64.58 points, or 5.9 per cent, to close at 1,157.98.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 692 to 163.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 8.85 points to 361.68.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,376.10 Korean won, after last Friday's close of 1,390.90 won. Markets were closed Monday and Tuesday. (dpa)