South Korean stocks closed 0.73 percent higher Thursday, buoyed by the United States Federal Reserve\'s decision to maintain stimulus measures, analysts said. The local currency gained against the greenback. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 14.22 points to finish at 1,949.80. Trading volume was moderate at 380.3 million shares worth 4.71 trillion won (US$4.17 billion) with advancers far outpacing decliners 552 to 244.