By industry, 35.1 percent of local companies viewed infrastructure development as the most promising area, followed by 17.3 percent for electronics, 15.3 percent for tourism and 13.5 percent for textiles and clothing.

The latest survey showed that among those that did not have any plans to enter the North, 22 percent cited a lack of reliable information, while 18.6 percent raised concerns about interference by the North Korean authorities. A further 13.7 percent were worried that future South Korean governments would alter course on North Korea, and 11.6 percent had reservations about sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Nations.

Companies then asked the government to do more to create a favorable environment for cross-border exchange and for joint efforts to build up the North's poor infrastructure, such as roads, electricity and port facilities.

In regards to the effect better inter-Korean relations would have on the national economy, 46.9 percent said they would have a very positive impact, and 39.8 percent said things would be somewhat better. Only 9.4 percent had a neutral view, while those having a negative opinion amounted to 3.9 percent.

In addition, 85.1 percent said improvements in South-North relations would be good for their business.

The international traders organization then said 31.7 percent of companies expected inter-Korean trade to resume in 4-5 years, while 22.3 percent predicted normalization in 2019. (Yonhap)