Seoul: Seoul stocks closed a tad higher Monday despite renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, with investors focusing on the upcoming earnings season. The local currency gained against the greenback.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 27.17 points, or 0.44 percent, to close at 6,219.09, after reaching as high as 6,278.36. The index managed to sustain its positive trajectory even in the face of growing uncertainties over U.S.-Iran peace talks, which were exacerbated by the U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.

Lee Kyoung-min, an analyst from Daishin Securities, noted that the market is showing resilience to risks from the Middle Eastern conflict, as recurring tensions have been a constant feature during peace negotiations. Investors are increasingly diverting their attention from geopolitical tensions to the impending earnings season.

Chip giant SK hynix is expected to announce its first-quarter earnings this week, following its competitor Samsung Electronics, which recently published a record-breaking operating profit guidance earlier this month.