By Cho Hyung-kwon
Staff Reporter

The Seoul stock market closed above the 900 point mark for the first time in more than 22 months on Thursday, as aggressive foreign buying pushed equities to their highest levels since April 2002.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 11.62 points, or 1.29 percent, to 907.43, while the technology-heavy Kosdaq gained 2.87 points, or 0.66 percent, to 437.64.

Foreign investors chalked up 237 billion won of shares, but retail and institutional investors sold more than 197 billion won of shares.

``Despite mixed results in the U.S. markets overnight, the active foreign buying and futures-related program buying buoyed equities, Daishin Securities said.

The market capitalization of the main stock exchange neared 400 trillion won for the first time ever as it stood at 399.3 trillion won on Thursday.

Woori Financial Group gained 5.75 percent to 9,000 won, Hana Bank rose 5.47 percent to 28,900 won and Samsung Electronics put on 2.7 percent to 569,000 won, the highest level ever.

LG Electronics, Kookmin Bank, KT, SK Telecom and Hyundai Motor closed stronger while SK Corp., Korea Exchange Bank and POSCO finished weaker.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a four to three ratio on trading of 579 million shares.

On the Kosdaq market, Asiana Airlines, NHN, Daum Communications, KTF and Hanaro Telecom closed in positive territory, while Auction, CJ Home Shopping and LG Home Shopping closed lower.

Trade volume stood at 310 million shares, as gaining and falling issues were about even.

kevincho@koreatimes.co.kr