ROK urges DPRK to handle Mount Kumgang tour issues in agreement

SEOUL - Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to handle issues on tour to the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang in an agreement between the two sides.

Deputy Spokesman of Seoul's unification ministry Kim Eun-han told a press briefing that ROK maintained a position that the Mount Kumgang tour issues should be tackled based on a mutual agreement between the two Koreas.

The DPRK sent an ultimatum to ROK on Nov 11, in which Pyongyang said it would be the last warning and the removal of ROK-built facilities in Mount Kumgang should be discussed through the exchange of letters, the deputy spokesman said.

Kim noted that ROK took it gravely, urging the DPRK to positively respond to Seoul's offer for working-level talks to discuss the Mount Kumgang issues.

Seoul proposed holding working-level talks with Pyongyang about the Mount Kumgang tour issues, but the DPRK said it preferred the exchange of letters, rather than face-to-face talks.