South Korean stocks closed higher Thursday as investor sentiment was boosted by Seoul's strive to revitalize its economy, overriding woes simmering from the slowing Chinese economy, analysts said. The Korean won closed lower against the greenback. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 7.66 points, or 0.39 percent, to 1,978.43. Trading volume was low at 196 million shares worth 3.7 trillion won (US$3.52 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 411 to 390.