Seoul - Shares surged 1.4 per cent Monday on the Seoul stock exchange as a recent currency swap between South Korea's central bank and the US Federeal Reserve as well as new stimulus measures for the local economy boosted investor sentiment. South Korea's currency surged against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index rose 16.02 points to close at 1,129.08.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 660 to 192.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 17.53 points to 325.56.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,262.0 Korean won after trading at 1,291.0 won Friday. (dpa)