[SEOUL] The South Korean won ended firmer on Monday as continued US dollar selling helped boost the won's gains.

The won was quoted at 1,182.9 to the US dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, up 0.6 per cent compared with Friday's close of 1,190.2.

South Korean shares posted modest gains in thin trading conditions, supported by demand from foreigners and local institutions.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed up 0.4 per cent at 1,955.25 points.

Foreign investors purchased a net 4.8 billion won (S$5.6 million) worth of KOSPI shares, while institutions bought 37.9 billion won worth of shares.

REUTERS