Seoul  - Shares surged 2.9 per cent on the new year's first trading session Friday on the Seoul stock exchange, led by gains in the shipbuilding sector. South Korea's currency tumbled against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index gained 32.93 points to close at 1,157.40. Advancing issues outpaced decliners 586 to 267.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 7.71 points to 339.76.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,321.0 Korean won, after Tuesday's close of 1,259.50. (dpa)