South Korean stocks closed 0.75 percent higher on Thursday as foreigners snapped up shares on growing hopes the eurozone will succeed in tackling its debt debacle, analysts said. The local currency gained against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 13.6 points to 1,823.1. Trading volume was heavy at 425.4 million shares worth 6.5 trillion won (US$5.7 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 600 to 247.