The South Korean government is quadrupling the reward it pays defectors from the North who share information to $860,000, as stated by BBC.

Defectors can expect to receive the six-figure payout if they cross the border with intelligence that helps enhance South Korea's security.

Defecting can be an expensive process as a result of dealing with people-smugglers.

Other amounts will be given to soldiers who defect with weapons.

South Korea's unification ministry said funds would be paid to individuals bringing artillery ranging from aircraft and tanks to small arms.

The sums paid would be determined on a sliding scale of importance, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports.

This is the first such increase in 20 years. So far the North Korean government has not reacted.