South Korean shares traded higher late Monday morning, backed by positive U.S. job data that eased concerns about the pace of an economic slowdown.   

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 4.77 points, or 0.24 percent, to 2,022.71 as of 11:20 a.m.


Large caps traded mixed with market kingpin Samsung Electronics adding 0.19 percent, and global chipmaker SK hynix down 0.86 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor was flat, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors traded 0.12 percent higher.

POSCO, the No. 1 steelmaker, fell 4.29 percent after the U.S.

Commerce Department decided to levy anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled flat steel from the South Korean steelmaker last Friday.

The local currency was trading at 1,113.5 won against the U.S. dollar, down 3.1 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)