South Korea said Monday that three of its nationals in mainland China have been confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus.

The three members of a family staying in China's northeastern province of Shandong have tested positive for the new strain of virus, according to the Seoul government.

It marks the first time for South Korean nationals staying in mainland China to be confirmed to be diagnosed with the virus infection that has taken more than 900 lives there.

"The World Health Organization and the Chinese government notified on Sunday that the family members staying in Shandong were confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus," said Kim Gang-lip, deputy head of the central disaster headquarters.

Kim said the three people -- a father and his two children -- are staying at a local hospital and are in stable condition.

The Seoul government said it will closely monitor the patients' condition through the South Korean Consulate in Qingdao. (Yonhap)