The won gained against the dollar on Dec. 7, bolstered by stock buying from foreign investors and exporters’ dollar sales.

The won has lost 41 percent of its value since July 2007 against the Japanese yen, to stand at 12.94 won per yen. In the depth of the financial crisis in March the won was down almost 50 percent against the yen.

Seoul shares added 0.5 percent on Dec. 7 to close at their highest level in more than five weeks.