A governing party lawmaker claimed Sunday that the Ministry of Unification tried to cover up the existence of counterfeit U.S. dollar bills in circulation in the Mt. Geumgang tourist zone in North Korea.

Rep. Lee Jung-hyun of the Grand National Party (GNP) said that 62 counterfeit U.S. dollar bills ― 61 one-hundred dollar bills and one 50-dollar bill ― had been identified as being in circulation in the Mt. Geumgang tourist zone, including hot springs and duty-free shops since 2005.

According to documents released by Hyundai Asan and National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, 12 counterfeit dollar bills were reported in 2005 in the area; 36 in 2006; and 14 in 2007.

``The Ministry of Unification consistently denied it. But suddenly it changed its attitude and said recently that it found 10 counterfeit bills, following my tenacious questioning about it,'' the lawmaker said.

Rep. Lee said the ministry had falsely reported in response to his inquiries.

The ministry, however, responded by saying finding the circulators of the bogus bills is a difficult task.

The government suspended tours to Mt. Geumgang after a female tourist was shot dead during a tour to the mountain in July.

hkang@koreatimes.co.kr