Seoul shares end firm helped by LG Elec, Display

SEOUL, July 17 (Reuters) - Seoul shares rose on Friday as positive U.S. and domestic earnings news boosted sentiment, with gains fueled by technology issues such as LG Display (034220.KS) and LG Electronics (066570.KS).

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished up 0.55 percent at 1,440.10 points, after hitting 1,445.60 points, the highest intraday level seen so far this year.

(Reporting by Jungyoun Park; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)