Seoul - Shares continued to surge Wednesday on the Seoul stock exchange led by gains in the bank and car sector. South Korea's currency jumped against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index rose 40.03 points, or 3.6 per cent, to close at 1,145.87. Advancing issues outpaced decliners 621 to 200.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose 5.90 points to 324.15.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,393.8 Korean won, after Tuesday's close of 1,447.0. (dpa)