100 S. Koreans Cancel Visit to Gaeseong Complex

Some 100 South Korean officials and reporters Tuesdsay canceled their scheduled visit to the industrial complex in the North's border town as North Korea requested Monday that the South postpone the visits there this week, the Unification Ministry said.

"Without specifying reasons, the North on Monday requested the postponement of this week's visit to the Gaeseong industrial complex, but company executives and workers continue to commute to the complex freely as usual," said Kim Nam-sik, spokesman for the Unification Ministry.

The ban of outsiders from visiting the complex in Gaeseong has been made amid reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il might soon make a rare visit to the industrial complex.

The complex is being operated as usual, the Unification Ministry said.