Seoul  - Shares fell Monday on the Seoul stock exchange for a third straight day on weaker-than-expected economic data in the US. South Korea's currency gained against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index shed 37.73 points, or 2.3 per cent, to close at 1,606.90.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers 525 to 258.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market slid 4.72 points, or 0.94 per cent, to 497.83.

On the currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,173.70 Korean won, after 1,178.30 won on Thursday. The markets were closed on Friday due to a public holiday. (dpa)