Seoul will take a close look at the terms of a U.S.-Japan trade deal, South Korea's industry minister said on Wednesday, holding out the prospect of greater cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors ahead of key trade talks in Washington.

The apples grown in the South Korean county of Cheongsong in the country's southeast are so renowned for their flavour that they are often given out in neatly-packaged gift boxes during national holidays.

South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan addresses concerns over the U.S.-Japan trade deal amidst pressure on Seoul to formulate its own agreement. The deal, which includes $550 billion Japanese investments,