Import prices in South Korea have surged to a seven-month high due to a weaker won and rising international oil prices.

The Bank of Korea(BOK) said Wednesday that the import price index for May was 77-point-43, three-point-five percent higher than a month earlier. It is the highest level since 78-point-34 in October.

Import prices fluctuate depending on the won-dollar exchange rate and international oil prices, but have generally shown a downward movement in recent months.

The won weakened against the greenback by more than two percent from one-thousand-147 won per dollar to one-thousand-171 won last month.

Dubai crude oil prices rose 13-point-five percent from 38-point-99 dollars per barrel in April to 44-point-26 dollars per barrel last month.

Meanwhile, the export price index rose for the first time in three months in May, advancing by two-point-four percent from April to 80-point-45.