S. Korean workers face stricter rules in Gaeseong

South Korean workers are likely to face tougher rules at the inter-Korean industrial complex in Gaeseong in North Korea.

The Kaesong Industrial District Foundation, which deals with operation rules in Gaeseong, where South Korean manufacturers hire North Korean workers, said Wednesday it will introduce a demerit system to prevent incidents including traffic accidents, fires and violence caused by South Korean workers.

Disclosing the new rules, the foundation said it would impose penalty points ranging from two to 10 for South Korean workers who commit offenses within the industrial complex.

Those who receive more than 10 accumulated points will be banned from entering the complex indefinitely, the foundation said. Those with nine demerits will be suspended from the complex for three months, seven to eight for two months, five to six for one month and three to four for two weeks.

South Korean workers will get the maximum punishment of 10 demerits if they intentionally assault others and cause them severe injury or death. Sexual assaults or robbery will also be subject to 10 demerits.

Also under the new rules, the Kaesong Industrial District Management Committee can file a lawsuit with a South Korean institution if an incident or accident leads to injury or damage of others’ property, regardless of settlement between related parties.

The foundation, however, did not elaborate on when the new rules will be applied.

Currently, 123 South Korean companies are operating in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and about 700-800 South Korean officials stay in Gaeseong a day, according to the foundation.

As of the end of November, 48,708 North Koreans were working at factories in the inter-Korean industrial complex to produce labor-intensive goods. The figure is the highest number to date.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)