hankyoreh

A South Korean delegation is to leave for Pyongyang on Tuesday to work out details for the upcoming inter-Korean summit, officials said Monday.

The delegation, to be led by Vice Unification Minister Lee Kwan-se, will consist of 35 officials, five more than originally planned. Last month, the North accepted the South's proposal to expand the working-level delegation.

During the four-day visit, the advance party is to finalize the itinerary, accommodation, venues and tourist locations based on previously made tentative agreements, they said.

South Korea is to send a second preparatory delegation to Pyongyang next week, which will join the summit delegation due to arrive in the North's capital on Oct. 2.

Both advance parties will travel on a reconnected road in the western section of the Korean Peninsula, the same route which South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun will take in his overland trip.

Severe damage from floods in the North delayed the inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang from late August to Oct. 2-4.

The second inter-Korean summit comes seven years after North Korean leader Kim Jong-il held the first-ever one with then President Kim Dae-jung.

Roh will travel to North Korea's capital for the planned inter-Korean summit along with a total of 150 delegates.

Last week, South Korea unveiled a list of 47 leaders from all walks of life who will accompany Roh to North Korea's capital for the planned inter-Korean summit.

Given the importance of inter-Korean economic cooperation, many business leaders were chosen, South Korean officials explained.

The special entourage is made up of 17 business and financial leaders, 21 social and cultural leaders, six political leaders and three women leaders.

During the three-day summit talks, the 13-member official delegation consisting of Cabinet members and presidential aides will assist Roh, they said.


SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap)