South Korean stocks started higher on Friday as foreign and institutional investors scooped up shares, sending the benchmark index above the 2,000 level. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 9.17 points, or 0.46 percent, to 2,001.22 in the first 15 minute of trading. Most blue chips were in the black across the board. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.29 percent and automaker Hyundai Motor rose 0.83 percent.