FOREX UPDATE

Seoul - Shares surged 2.3 per cent Thursday on the Seoul stock exchange on strong buying by foreign investors while South Korea's currency gained against the dollar.

The benchmark Kospi index soared 36.91 points to close at 1,644.68.

Advancing issues outpaced decliners 604 to 217.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market inched forward 4.81 points to 525.01.

On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,224.50 Korean won, after 1,227 won Wednesday. (dpa)