A South Korean government official says a U.S. government permit is required for an American company to partner with North Korea and operate tours to the North's Mount Geumgang resort.

The official said it appears an application has not yet been submitted by New York-based Korea Pyongyang Trading U.S.A., which signed a memorandum of understanding last week to conduct tours at the mountain resort.

The official said in accordance with U.S. Executive Order 13570, which took effect from April, all goods and services imported from North Korea require a permit to enter the U.S.