NORTH Korea limited entry to South Korean workers at a joint industrial enclave in the North on Monday in a border clampdown seen as a pressure tactic designed to change Seoul's hardline policy toward its destitute neighbour.

Here are some key facts about the Kaesong Industrial Park:

LOGISTICS
The park is located in the North Korean city of Kaesong about 70 km northwest of Seoul. A new highway and a restored rail link run through the Demilitarised Zone border taking materials from the South and finished products from the North.

Kaesong is the first cooperative manufacturing venture where South Korean firms use North Korean labour. It is run by Hyundai Asan, part of the Hyundai Group, along with Korea Land Corp.

EMPLOYMENT
As of late 2008, there were 33,000 North Koreans employed at nearly 90 South Korean factories producing items such as textiles, watches and cosmetic cases.

The minimum monthly wage is $70 for each employee. The wages are paid to the North Korean state and not directly to workers.

CHARGES OF EXPLOITATION
In May 2006, Mr Jay Lefkowitz, the top US official for human rights in North Korea, raised concerns about possible worker exploitation at the complex. Mr Lefkowitz said the well-intentioned project may simply end up providing funds that prop up the North Korean regime.

DUTY-FREE EXPORT?
South Korea and the United States agreed to set up a joint committee to study allowing Kaesong products duty-free status in the US market under a free trade deal struck in April 2007. South Korea says future projects in the North will be entitled to the same privilege. Washington is less enthusiastic.

South Korea wants goods produced in Kaesong to be covered in other free trade deals.

FUTURE PLANS
South Korea's vision for the Kaesong project, which began in June 2003 and saw the first batch of goods shipped to South Korea in 2004, includes more than half a million North Koreans employed by 2,000 firms and with hotels, golf courses and a 'peace park'. -- REUTERS