S. Korea raises pay for N. Korea workers in joint complex

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea has agreed a pay rise for North Korean workers at a Seoul-funded industrial complex in the North, an official said on Monday.

Authorities from both countries agreed on Friday to raise the minimum monthly wage to US$67 (S$83), up five per cent from last year, said Seoul's unification ministry that handles cross-border affairs.

"The minimum wage has been raised five per cent every year since 2007... in line with labour regulations," a spokesman told AFP.

The industrial estate - established in 2004 as a symbol of cross-border cooperation - has remained operating despite rising cross-border tensions in recent years.