Foreign companies have expressed interest in taking part in the industrial complex being built in the North Korean border town of Gaesong.

The news represents a mixed bag for South Korean authorities, as it presents a dilemma of whether to allow the companies access to the prospective industrial complex.

The Korea Land Corporation, which selects the companies to do business in Gaesong, said a number of foreign entities, including big-name multinationals, have shown interest in the inter-Korean project.

Earlier reports have confirmed a number of German companies have inquired after the procedures necessary to build plants in the complex.

The European Union has also conveyed interest, as officials and economic experts are planning to visit Gaesong next month.

However, the state-run corporation says nothing has been decided yet and that it needs to consult with the government before setting specific rules on the entry of foreign companies into the region.