Seoul shares open higher on Greek election results

South Korean stocks opened higher Monday following the victory of pro-bailout parties in the Greek elections that could allow the country to stay within the eurozone, analysts said.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), which fell Friday due to mounting concerns ahead of Greece's critical elections, moved up 1.97 percent, or 36.69 points, to 1,894.85 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 2.3 percent, with top automaker Hyundai Motor also gaining 2.7 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,157.45 won to the greenback as of 9:15 a.m., up 8.15 won from Friday's close. (Yonhap)