South Korean tourists will soon be allowed to travel to Mount Geumgang in North Korea by driving their cars.

The change is part of a new set of regulations governing the Mount Geumgang tourist zone announced by the North Wednesday to enhance convenience for South Korean tourists and business firms.

Most conspicuous among the new rules is a clause that would allow free passage for South Korean vehicles that carry passes to be issued by relevant Northern authorities.

The new regulations also guarantee personal safety of South Korean tourists, stating that no South Korean tourist staying in the zone will be detained, arrested or searched.

The North also plans to set up a customs office at a convenient place for smooth operations of South Korean firms, and exempt tariffs on materials to be brought into and out of the zone for reprocessing and other purposes.

In particular, the North announced that it would further simplify customs procedures by allowing for on-line declaration of goods and materials.