SEOUL — The price of cigarettes in South Korea could go up 500 won (about 50 cents) a pack beginning in July, officials said Monday.

So Sang-moon, with the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, said the proposed price increase is part of a massive effort aimed at curbing smoking.

In December, the Health Ministry was successful in raising the price of cigarettes 500 won, from about $1.50 a pack to $2 a pack.

American-brand cigarettes sell on base for from $2.45 to $3.85. The proposed South Korean price hike wouldn’t affect on-base merchandise, just cigarettes sold off base.

The spokesman said research shows the December price hike helped cut smoking rates in the country and officials think a second price hike will mean fewer smokers.