South Korea has banned travel to the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea by employees of South Korean firms for the third straight day following the North's artillery attack on the South.

Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung made the announcement during a briefing on Friday, citing security concerns.

However, the ministry did allow on Friday the entry of eight South Korean officials and vehicles to deliver necessities such as gas and food to the South Koreans who remain at Gaeseong.

The spokesman said a decision on whether to extend the ban will be based on future developments.

Meanwhile, South Korean firms operating at the North Korean complex are reporting normal business conditions. South Koreans managing facilities at the North’s Mount Geumgang resort are also reporting no particular change in the attitudes of North Korean officials there.