S.Korean won edges up on stocks, refiners cap gain

SEOUL, May 2 (Reuters) - The South Korean won rose slightly
against the U.S. dollar early Friday, helped by a buoyant local
stock market, but won sales by local refiners capped the gains.

The won <KRW=> was quoted at 1,001.9/2.3 per dollar at 0106
GMT, compared to 1,002.75 at Wednesday's closing bid.

Local financial markets were closed on Thursday for the
Labour Day holiday.

South Korean shares were up 1.27 percent, led by
gains in chipmakers and transportation firms. Foreign investors
bought a net 80 billion won in shares on the main board.

News of sizeable foreign currency orders added to the won's
strength after Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co (000720.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)
said earlier on Friday it received a preliminary notice for a
$2.07 billion construction order in Qatar.

On Thursday, shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries Co
(010140.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said it won a $942 million order for a drill ship
from Sweden's Stena AB.

On the economic front, data on Thursday showed South Korea's
April exports and inflation rose more than expected and at their
fastest annual pace in more than three years. [ID:nSP215333]

0106 GMT prev close
Won <KRW=> 1,001.9/2.3 1,002.75
Yen/won <JPYKRW=R> 9.5747/831 9.6506/610
KOSPI 1,848.59 1,825.47
(Reporting by Rhee So-eui; editing by Jonathan Hopfner)