The government has announced the measures it will take in response to the probe results that confirmed North Korea’s culpability in the sinking of the “Cheonan” naval vessel.

Unification Minister Hyun In-taek said in a news conference Monday that North Korean ships will be banned from using sea routes in South Korean waters and that all inter-Korean trade activities will be prohibited.

South Koreans will also be banned from visiting North Korean regions other than the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and Mount Geumgang resort.

The government has also placed an embargo on any expansion of South Korean private investments and business projects in North Korea.

The government will also ask South Korean companies conducting business in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex to reduce their number of workers in the North Korean city to the minimum level required to operate facilities.

Seoul plans to halt, in principle, aid programs to North Korea but will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to North Korean infants and people in need.