Seoul Likely to Lift Ban on Trips to N. Korea
By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
South Korea will likely allow residents to visit North Korea by gradually lifting a travel ban imposed since North Korea's second nuclear test in May, sources said Monday.
An official of the Ministry of Unification, however, said nothing has been decided yet.
"We haven't decided yet on the issue but are having positive discussions," he said, asking not to be named.
A local civic group submitted an application to the ministry for a visit to Pyongyang between July 29 and Aug. 1, saying their 10 members need to talk about medical aid.
If their trip is approved, the government will likely lessen its stern restrictions, the sources said.
South Korea reiterated that some civic groups will be permitted to visit for humanitarian assistance.
The government is also moving to resume financial support to civic organizations for humanitarian aid programs for the North.
Seoul restricted border-crossings after a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a North Korean solider near the Mt. Geumgang resort in July last year.
She reportedly strayed into North Korea's military restricted zone during a pre-dawn stroll. But what actually occurred remains unclear as North Korea rejected the South's proposal for a joint investigation into the incident.
Visits to other areas such as Pyongyang and Gaeseong have also been prohibited since the North launched a long-range rocket on April 5.
The government partially allowed trips to the North in early May but North Korea's second nuclear test on May 25 has led to the complete ban of North Korea trips.
Only workers in the joint Gaeseong Industrial Complex and the minimum number of staff members needed to maintain facilities can now visit.