Seoul shares ended higher on Friday.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 16 points, or 0.64 percent, to settle at 2,496.63. Trading volume stood at 504.56 million shares worth 6.3 trillion won (5.5 billion U.S. dollars).

South Korea's currency finished at 1,130.50 won against the greenback, down 5.90 won from the previous close.