The import price index, which measures the costs of goods purchased overseas in won terms, rose 2.4 percent to 142.14 in December from 138.80 a month earlier. This marks a 7 percent increase over the past year.
The Korean won weakened about 2.9 percent against the dollar in December, while Dubai crude oil prices edged up slightly.
Agricultural and fishery products, fiber and leather products, mining products, and electrical equipment all saw significant price increases.
Coffee prices and printed circuit boards experienced particularly sharp jumps, rising 9.7 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
"With the won-dollar exchange rate and international oil prices maintaining their upward trajectory in January, we expect continued upward pressure on import and export prices," said Lee Moon-hee, head of the BOK's economic statistics team.
The export price index also increased by 2.4 percent month-on-month, driven primarily by chemical products and petroleum-based goods.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.