Shares surge 2.1 per cent in Seoul

seoul stock exchangeSeoul- Shares climbed 2.1 per cent Monday on the Seoul stock exchange led by gains in the banking sector amid signs of better economic data ahead. South Korea's currency surged against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index increased 28.56 points to close at 1,397.92.

Advancing issues outnumbered losers 583 to 255.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market advanced 6.03 points to 507.01.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,272.50 Korean won, after 1,282.0 won on Friday. (dpa)