The import price index stood at 132.27 in January, up 4.1 percent from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).
It was the first turnaround in three months, after sliding 1 percent in November and 2 percent in December each.
Dubai crude, South Korea's benchmark, averaged 83.47 U.S. dollars per barrel in January, up 14 percent from 73.21 dollars in the prior month.
Price for imported raw materials advanced 8.2 percent in January on a monthly basis, and the figure for intermediate goods, including coal and oil products, gained 2.7 percent.
Import price for capital and consumer goods rose 2 percent and 0.7 percent each last month.
The export price index added 1.4 percent over the month to 116.01 in January, recording the first increase in three months.
Export price for coal and oil products jumped 12.3 percent last month, and those for textile and farm goods climbed 1.7 percent and 1.6 percent respectively.
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