North Korea says the resumption of Mount Geumgang tours is up to South Korean authorities.

The North's Guidance Bureau for Comprehensive Development of Scenic Spots which is in charge of the Geumgang tours says it will take stern measures if South Korean authorities block the tours' resumption.

The bureau urged the South to grasp the severity of the issue and act prudently.

The North also reiterated that the South Korean tourist was responsible for the shooting that led to her death at Geumgang. It said the victim trespassed into a military zone and did not abide by warning shots.

On Seoul's call for tourist safety guarantees, the North continued its stance that it promised to guarantee top level safety during talks with Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun when she visited the North last August.