South Korean stocks traded 0.13 percent higher late Monday morning, led by gains in carmakers and construction companies, analysts said.
   
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 2.51 points to 1,989.32 as of 11:20 a.m.
   
Carmakers led the market gain, with No. 1 player Hyundai Motor rising 1.02 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors adding 0.73 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis also climbed 1.29 percent.
   
Builders also traded higher, with industry leader Hyundai Engineering & Construction rising 2.11 percent and Daelim Industrial moving up 0.46 percent. Top steelmaker POSCO gained 0.93 percent.
   
The local currency was changing hands at 1,118.95 won against the greenback, down 2.55 won from Thursday's close. The local financial market was closed Friday for Buddha's birthday. (Yonhap News)