Import gained 9.3 percent to 39.54 billion dollars in the cited period, sending the trade deficit to 5.99 billion dollars, according to Korea Customs Service.
The daily average shipment tumbled 14.9 percent in the 20-day period.
The country's export continued to slide since October last year amid weaker global demand for tech products.
Semiconductor export plunged 43.9 percent during the February 1-20 period compared to the same period of last year, and those for mobile phones, computers and home appliances retreated in double digits.
Outbound shipment for automobiles, oil products and auto parts advanced in double figures in the 20-day period.
Import for crude oil, natural gas and coal grew 7.6 percent, 81.1 percent and 11.2 percent each, but those for chips and semiconductor equipment declined 6.1 percent and 14.7 percent respectively.
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