South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says it is too early to begin discussions about imposing possible economic sanctions against North Korea.

Chung said during an invitational lecture on Wednesday that South Korea would continue its efforts to persuade the North to return to the six-party talks and stressed the need to maintain Seoul's policy of promoting harmony and cooperation.

The minister also said South Korea is also planning to discuss with North Korea possible delivery of food aid to North Korean children, who are much lighter and shorter than their southern counterparts.