Seoul - Shares surged 2.3 per cent Thursday on the Seoul stock exchange on heavy foreign buying after recent losses. South Korea's currency jumped against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 30.94 points to close at 1,369.36, the highest level so far this year.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 660 to 192.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 6.51 points to 500.98.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,282.0 Korean won, after 1,340.70 won Wednesday.