[DigitalToday reporter Sangyeop Oh (오상엽)] South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index ended slightly higher on Monday after repeated swings. It opened up more than 1 percent, supported by gains on Wall Street, but gave up most of the advance near the close.

The KOSPI ended up 3.65 points, or 0.07 percent, at 5,301.69. It jumped as high as 5,363.62 during the session, showing gains of more than 1 percent, before repeatedly fluctuating around the 5,300 level.

By investor type, individuals were net sellers of 873.4 billion won, while foreigners and institutions were net buyers of 143.7 billion won and 563.5 billion won, respectively, supporting the index.

Leading chip shares turned negative during the session. Samsung Electronics closed down 600 won, or 0.36 percent, at 165,800 won, and SK Hynix fell 11,000 won, or 1.24 percent, to end at 876,000 won.

Bank shares extended gains as dividend expectations at the start of the year came into focus on solid earnings. KB Financial rose 2.71 percent and Shinhan Financial Group gained 4.82 percent.

Among other top market-cap companies, gainers included Hyundai Motor, up 0.52 percent, Samsung Biologics, up 0.94 percent, and Kia, up 0.59 percent.

In contrast, LG Energy Solution fell 1.01 percent, SK Square lost 3.55 percent, Doosan Enerbility dropped 1.36 percent, Hanwha Aerospace slid 3.94 percent, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 1.11 percent.

The Kosdaq ended down 12.35 points, or 1.10 percent, at 1,115.20.

Individuals were net buyers of 324.4 billion won, but foreigners and institutions were net sellers of 216.0 billion won and 81.1 billion won, respectively, adding downward pressure.