South Korea's military said Thursday it is seeking more money in next year's budget, to strengthen defences against North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The defence ministry said it had requested a budget of 30.8 trillion won (24 billion dollars) for 2010, equivalent to 2.8 percent of gross domestic product.

The 7.9-percent increase reflects "additional reinforcements to cope with North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," vice minister Chang Soo-Man told reporters.

South Korea's 655,000-strong military, backed up by a 28,500-strong US contingent, faces off against North Korea's 1.2 million-member armed forces.

South Korea is expanding its range of high-tech military assets capable of monitoring and striking North Korean nuclear and missile bases.

Cross-border relations have been hostile for over a year, since Seoul's new conservative government rolled back a "sunshine" policy of aid and engagement with Pyongyang.

The North is also engaged in a standoff with the international community over its banned nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Last Saturday the North test-fired seven missiles in an apparent show of defiance against tougher UN sanctions imposed for its May nuclear test.

Seoul's unification ministry said that from Friday, South Koreans who want to carry luxury items into the North would need prior authorisation.

It said the restrictions were in accordance with the latest UN sanctions adopted June 12.

These prohibit most weapons trades with Pyongyang and call on member states to tighten earlier measures, which banned exports of luxury goods to the North.