Seoul - Shares surged for the fifth-straight trading day Wednesday on the Seoul stock exchange on gains in the US market. South Korea's won also rose against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 28.15 points, or 2.4 per cent, to close at 1,181.50.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners 709 to 151.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market gained 5.36 points to close at 340.85.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,266 Korean won after 1,288 won Tuesday. (dpa)