South Korea star midfielder Park Ji-sung believes North Korea could surprise other teams at the World Cup.

North Korea may be one of the rank outsiders for the World Cup but Manchester United's Park said the team will provide a challenge to the opposition when it comes to pre-game scouting.

"Since North Korea has players that are not well known, that could be a difficult factor" for other teams, Park said.

"For me personally, it will be interesting to look at the three matches."

North Korea has a challenging draw. It opens Tuesday against Brazil in Johannesburg, then plays Ivory Coast and Portugal.

North Korea's only previous appearance was 1966 when it provided a shock by making the quarterfinals, taking a 3-0 lead against a Portugal team led by the great Eusebio before succumbing.

South Korea opens against Greece on Saturday.

It is the first time that the two Koreas are playing in the same World Cup, although this is the South's eighth trip to the finals.

"North Korea is in a very difficult group as we know," Park said. "It's been a long time since North Korea managed to join the World Cup, and I am very glad that North and South Korea are here."

Tensions between the two countries had been heightened recently due to the sinking of a South Korea warship. The South blamed the North and is seeking United Nations punishment of the reclusive communist state.

That dispute has spilled over into a dispute over television feeds from the World Cup. The South normally provides a free feed to its northern neighbour, but now is demanding a fee.

Park was asked whether South Korea's stance on the television feeds was fair.

"I don't think that is something that falls under my jurisdiction," Park said, smiling. "So I cannot comment."

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