South Korean stocks closed 0.88 percent higher Wednesday as investor sentiment was soothed by eased concerns over Ukraine and China maintaining its growth target, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 17.13 points to 1,971.24. Trading volume was moderate at 194.8 million shares worth 3.57 trillion won (US$3.33 billion) with gainers outpacing losers 584 to 229.