Seoul - Shares surged slightly on the year's last trading day Tuesday on the Seoul stock exchange, snapping a five-day losing streak.

The benchmark Kospi index rose 6.88 points, or 0.6 per cent, to close at 1,124.47. Advancing issues outpaced decliners 517 to 285.

But for the whole of 2008 the Kospi was down 41 per cent from last year's close of 1897.13.

The main index of the technology-heavy Kosdaq market rose Tuesday 2.87 points, or 0.87 per cent, to 332.05.

South Korea's currency gained further ground against the dollar. On currency markets, the US dollar was quoted at 1,295.50 Korean won after trading at 1,299.0 won Monday. (dpa)