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Two Koreas celebrate 20th anniversary of Kumgang tour program

Two Koreas celebrate 20th anniversary of Kumgang tour program

Posted November. 19, 2018 07:37,   

Updated November. 19, 2018 07:37

한국어

An event celebrating the 20th year of Mt. Kumgang tour program was held for the first time in four years on the mountain. The tour has been on halt for the last 10 years. Many are paying attention on whether the current thawing of inter-Korean relations will resume the tour.

Hyundai Group and the North's Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee are holding a two-day event on Saturday and Sunday on Mt. Kumgang. The event includes a commemoration ceremony, tree planting, performances, a dinner and a visit to the mountain.

More than 100 South Korean delegates include Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun and 30 employees from Hyundai Group and 70 politicians and journalists. They traveled to the North via road, crossing the demarcation line at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. When they return to the South on Monday, the delegation will share their thoughts and the result of the event.

Even though Hyundai Group said the event is not related to the discussion to resume the tour, but it is projected that the participants will discuss the resumption of the tour and ways for economic cooperation and exchanges between the two Koreas.

Earlier this month, the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation and North Korea’s reconciliation committee discussed ways for private cooperation and exchanges at Mt. Kumgang. It is difficult to resume the tour as the U.S. and the global community are posing sanctions against the North.


Sung-Gyu Kim sunggyu@donga.com