The government will give priority to manufacturers regarding entry to the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea starting January first.

Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Ho-nyoun made the remark at a briefing on Monday, saying that the ministry will control entry to the South-North industrial complex by issuing permits, which manufacturers will be the first to receive.

Manufacturers, construction companies and Hyundai Asan staff are amongst those currently allowed to enter the complex after the North restricted cross-border passage December first.