Seoul shares open firm helped by GDP, banks

SEOUL, July 10 (Reuters) - Seoul shares rose on Friday after gains overnight on Wall Street, with South Korean gross domestic product estimates that showed an improvement in the economy in the second quarter lifting sentiment.

Gains were led by auto issues and financials including Shinhan Financial Group (055550.KS).

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 0.24 percent at 1,434.27 points as of 0004 GMT.

(Reporting by Jungyoun Park; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)