S Korean Rescue Workers in Japan to Return Home This Week

South Korean rescue workers in earthquake-ravaged Japan will return home on Wednesday, the foreign ministry here said Tuesday.

The decision was made in consultation with the Japanese government, which has expressed gratitude for the work of the 107 rescuers, the ministry said in a statement.

South Korea sent five rescuers one day after the massive earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan, the first foreign help that landed in Japan, and subsequently sent additional 102 relief workers.

South Korea will stay in close contact with Japan to discuss sending additional emergency supplies and helping restoration efforts there, the ministry said.