Seoul - Shares were sharply up Monday on the Seoul stock exchange as investor sentiment was boosted by global efforts to contain the worsening financial turmoil. South Korea's won surged against the dollar for the third straight trading session.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 47.06 points, or 3.8 per cent, to close at 1,288.53.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 682 to 170.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 17.89 points to 368.17.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,238.0 Korean won, after 1,309.0 won on Friday. (dpa)