South Korean stocks closed 0.71 percent higher on Friday as institutions snapped up retailers and domestic-oriented companies amid lingering concerns on the global economy, analysts said. The local currency edged up against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 15.13 points to 2,145.2, extending its winning streak to a third session. Trading volume was moderate at 267.8 million shares worth 6 trillion won (US$5.7 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 578 to 254.