The Unification Ministry has set up a situation room to will closely monitor North Korea, in the wake of Pyongyang's second nuclear test on Monday.

The ministry said the control office will be headed by chief of Political and Social Analysis Division, Yang Chang-seok. It will monitor the developments in North Korea and come up with measures to ensure the safety of South Koreans in the North.

Following the North’s announcement, the ministry held a series of emergency meetings led by Unification Minister Hyun In-taek and Vice Minister Hong Yang-ho to discuss countermeasures.

The ministry inspected communication channles between South Koreans staying at the North’s Gaeseong Industrial Complex and Pyongyang to ensure their safety.