The Unification Ministry says the issue of South Korean assets seized by North Korea at the Mount Geumgang tourist resort must be handled separately from the inter-Korean Red Cross talks scheduled for next Thursday.

Ministry spokeswoman Lee Jong-ju told reporters Friday that Seoul regards the inter-Korean Red Cross talks next week as separate from dialogues on the possible resumption of tour programs to Geumgang.

The North's Guidance Bureau for Comprehensive Development of Scenic Spots sent a message to the Unification Ministry on Thursday in which it proposed discussing during the upcoming Red Cross talks the resolution of its months-long hold on South Korea's assets at the mountain resort and resuming tourism to Geumgang.