Seoul shares open higher on Wall Street gains

South Korean stocks opened higher Monday, taking its cue from gains in Wall Street.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 10.32 points, or 0.51 percent, to 2,026.51 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Tech shares led the gains.

Market kingpin Samsung Electronics surged 2.14 percent, continuing its rally after posting robust second-quarter earnings, and chip giant SK hynix advanced 1.74 percent.

Auto shares were in the positive terrain.

Industry leader Hyundai Motor increased 1.14 percent, and its sister company Kia Motors rose 0.71 percent.

U.S. shares rose on Friday, with the S&P 500 index hitting a record high thanks to rally in tech heavyweights.

The local currency was trading at 1,113.9 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 6.3 won from Friday's close.  (Yonhap)