South Korean stocks closed 0.22 percent higher Thursday as investors snapped up steelmaker and shipbuilder shares, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 4.38 points to 1,975.62. Trading volume was moderate at 189 million shares worth 3.3 trillion won (US$3.09 billion) with gainers outpacing losers 499 to 304.