North Korea has designated Mount Geumgang as a special tourist zone.

The North Korean Central Broadcasting Station said Monday that the designation was made under a decree issued October twenty-third by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

The North's state-run media went on to say that the assembly also announced a government ordinance adopting the Mount Geumgang Tourist Zone Legislation two weeks ago.

Under the new legislation, the special tourist zone includes scenic and historic spots in the area, and provides for ecological tour of Mount Geumgang.

N. Korea's latest decision marks a turning point in Mount Geumgang tourism, which has faced difficulties since it began accepting South Korean tourists in 1998.