Seoul - Shares jumped 5.8 per cent Friday on the Seoul stock exchange on bargain hunting, breaking an eight-day loosing streak.

South Korea's won inched up against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 55.04 points to close at 1,003.73.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 658 to 188,

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 17.06 points to 290.12.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,495.0 Korean won, after 1,497.0 won on Thursday. (dpa)