Seoul shares open higher on exporters' gain

South Korean stocks opened higher Monday due to strong gains from key exporters, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index moved up 4 points, or 0.19 percent, to 2,131.17 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Tech shares led the growth, with Samsung Electronics adding 0.85 percent and LG Display climbing 0.34 percent. No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix also moved up 0.76 percent.

Carmakers also traded bullish, with No. 1 Hyundai Motor increasing 1.48 percent and its smaller sister Kia Motors advancing 1.81 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis added 0.85 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,081.10 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 8.70 won from Friday's close. (Yonhap)