(LEAD) Seoul Shares Expected to Rise Further After Topping 1,000-Point Level.

(From Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares are likely to gain further ground in the coming weeks on the back of hopes for a pickup in the economy and ample liquidity, dealers said Monday.

Paced by a broad-based rally, the benchmark Korea Composite Index (KOSPI) surpassed the landmark 1,000-point level in more than five years, closing at 1,011.36, up 14.41 points, or 1.44 percent. The closing price was the highest since Jan. 4, 2000 when the index finished at 1,059.04.

""It is very meaningful for the index to exceed the 1,000-point level at a time when the economy is poised to get back on a growth track,"" said Yang Kyong-shik, an analyst at Daishin Economic Research Institute. The main bourse's index has risen more than …