South Korean stocks closed higher after a choppy session on March 18 as institutions went on a massive buying-spree amid uncertainties, analysts said. The Korean won gained ground against the US dollar.

The benchmark Kospi added 3.38 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 2,179.49. Trade volume was moderate at 249 million shares worth 3.56 trillion won ($3.14 billion), with gainers far outnumbering losers 517 to 299.

Institutional buyers purchased a net 225.8 billion won worth of shares on the main bourse, while foreign and individual investors offloaded a net 45.9 billion won and 186.8 billion won, respectively.

The local currency closed at 1,132.10 won against the US dollar, up 5.20 won from the previous session.

By Ram Garikipati and newswires (ram@heraldcorp.com)