Seoul shares up 0.78 pct in late-morning trade

South Korean stocks traded 0.78 percent higher late Friday morning, buoyed by gains in brokerage houses and foodmakers, analysts said. 

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) soared 15.45 points to 2,008.97 as of 11:20 a.m.

Leading brokerage firm Woori Investment & Securities Co. surged 3.5 percent, with local major foodmaker Nongshim climbing 3.8 percent. 

In contrast, autos and heavy industries trended in negative territory, with Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipyard, falling 1.3 percent. 

The local currency was changing hands at 1,114.20 against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., down 0.6 won from Thursday's close. (Yonhap News)