Seoul  - Shares surged 2.7 per cent Monday on the Seoul stock exchange as the market was buoyed by a positive corporate earnings outlook. South Korea's currency increased against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 38.41 points to close at 1,478.51.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 665 to 157.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 7.75 points to 493.62.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,250.20 Korean won, after 1,259.50 won last Friday. (dpa)