The National Intelligence Service(NIS) has banned some 36-thousand foreigners suspected of terrorist ties from entering South Korea ahead of the PyeongChang Olympics.

The spy agency conveyed this information to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on Monday.

Main opposition Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Yi Wan-young, who is a ranking member on the committee, gave a briefing after the parliament briefing.

He said the NIS also launched a counter-terrorism headquarters last Monday comprising 17 agencies to ensure a safe Winter Games.

Conveying what was also said by the NIS, the lawmaker said that vulnerable Olympic facilities were examined last month in cooperation with the U.S. and that foreigners who have applied for an Olympic registration card are also being thoroughly verified to exclude terror suspects.

The NIS is also known to be looking into possible terror threats by the Islamic State and other groups and operating safety control booths at 18 Olympic sites, including stadiums and athletes' lodging.