South Korea reviewing various options to improve North Korea ties

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A visitor takes a picture of the Bridge of Freedom, which connects North Korea and South Korea, at the Imjingak pavilion near the demilitarized zone which separates the two Koreas, in Paju, South Korea, October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

SEOUL - South Korea is studying various plans to improve relations with North Korea, a spokesperson for South Koreas Unification Ministry said on Monday, in response to a media report that Seoul is considering allowing individual tours to North Korea.

Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry that handles inter-Korea affairs, refused to comment on a particular issue.

But, Koo said he understood individual tours were not in violation of international sanctions.

Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programs.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to improve strained relations with Pyongyang that have reached their worst level in years.

In a bid to ease tensions, Lee suspended anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and ordered a halt to leaflet campaigns criticising the Norths leaders by anti-Pyongyang activists.

The president has said he will discuss further plans with top security officials to resume dialogue with North Korea that is technically at war with the South.

North Korea recently opened a beach resort in the city of Wonsan, a flagship project driven by leader Kim Jong Un to promote tourism.