South Korean stocks closed almost flat Monday as gains in steelmakers, shipbuilders and some tech shares offset a decline in autos and telecom shares, analysts said. The South Korean won closed lower against the greenback. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved up 1.61 points, or 0.08 percent, to 1,989.70. Trading volume was light at 182 million shares worth 3.59 trillion won (US$3.42 billion), with losers outpacing gainers 510 to 286.