South Koreans who reside in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea were confirmed to be safe amid growing tension in the wake of North Korea’s third nuclear test Tuesday.

“No unusual situation has been found in the district yet after the North’s nuclear test,” an official from the Ministry of Unification said.

Currently, 163 South Koreans are said to be staying in the Gaeseong industrial area as many of the residing workers came back home to spend the Lunar New Year holiday with their families.

Usually more than 800 South Koreans stay at the industrial complex.

The ministry said it was not considering making use of the industrial area as a means to sanction North Korea, adding that the area was still an “important asset” for cooperation between two Koreas.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)