Seoul - Shares finished nearly 3 per cent higher Wednesday on the Seoul stock exchange on bargain hunting after recent losses. The local currency rose against the dollar. The benchmark Kospi index rose 38.18 points, or 2.9 per cent, to close at 1,338.42.

Advancing issues outnumbered losers 681 to 134.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market surged 15.10 points to 494.47.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,340.70 won after trading at 1,356.80 won Tuesday. (dpa)