SEOUL, Feb 18 (Reuters) - South Korean shares rose on Friday to their highest close in over five years, led by firmer blue chips such as Hyundai Motor, as investors continued to bet on the prospects for an improving domestic economy.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed up 1.19 percent at 984.08, its highest close since ending at 987.24 on Jan. 10, 2000. Hyundai Motor Co. rose 1.97 percent to end at 56,800 won.