Seoul - Shares rallied Monday on the Seoul stock exchange as lower oil prices prompted investors to hunt for bargains after recent losses. 

The benchmark Kospi index soared 52.93 points, or 3.5 per cent, to close at 1,562.92. 

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 641 to 171. 

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 8.72 points to 531.25. 

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,018.0 Korean won, after 1,013.80 won on Friday. (dpa)