South Korean stocks finished 1.83 percent higher Monday as foreign investors scooped up blue-chip auto and tech exporters on hopes that the U.S. Congress would approve the U.S. debt limit increase, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 39.1 points to 2,172.31, snapping a two-session losing streak. Trading volume was light at 259 million shares worth 6.33 trillion won (US$6.03 billion) with gainers trumping losers 624 to 228.