South Korean stocks closed higher Tuesday as institutions maintained their net buying positions, spurred on by upbeat U.S. manufacturing sector data. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) that started off in positive territory ended the day at 1,940.21, gaining 0.66 percent or 12.68 points from Monday's close. Trading volume was modest at 261.70 million shares, with 3.34 trillion won (US$3.12 billion) in turnover. Prices for 491 listed firms rose, while 280 fell and 103 remained unchanged.