Seoul - Shares surged 3.2 per cent Monday on the Seoul stock exchange after recent heavy losses. South Korea's currency picked up against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index advanced 33.6 points to close at 1,099.55. Advancing stocks outpaced losers 591 to 229.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market increased 8.43 points to 375.57.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,489.0 Korean won, after 1,506.0 won last Friday. (dpa)