Seoul shares opened higher on Wednesday.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 13.52 points, or 0.69 percent, to trade at 1,981.05 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

South Koreas currency was quoted at 1,167.00 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 3.60 won from Tuesdays close.