South Korean stocks closed higher Monday as investors remained hopeful for an economic recovery in China, analysts said. The South Korean won closed higher against the greenback. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved up 10.61 points, or 0.55 percent, to 1,945.55. Trading volume was low at 225 million shares worth 3.26 trillion won (US$3.02 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 426 to 380.