South Korean stocks closed 0.44 percent lower on Monday, led by losses in tech and auto shares, analysts said. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dropped 8.9 points to 1,995.99. Trading volume was light at 261.3 million shares worth 2.6 trillion won (US$2.3 billion), with decliners outnumbering gainers 485 to 320.