Korea and China will hold working-level talks next week to resolve the growing issue of illegal fishing by Chinese fishermen in Korean waters, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday.

It will be the ninth round of bilateral talks on fisheries issues led by deputy director-general level officials from the two countries' foreign ministries.

This time, the meeting comes amid heightened tension over illegal fishing, which was prompted by the recent capture of Chinese fishing boats by Korean fishermen in the Yellow Sea.

"We are in consultations with the Chinese side to hold the talks in Gwangju on July 5," ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck said during a regular press briefing. Gwangju lies 329 kilometers south of Seoul.

The two sides will discuss the issue of illegal fishing and seek measures to improve fishing operations in the Yellow Sea, he said.

The meeting will be joined by officials from the Coast Guard and fishery authorities. (Yonhap)