Asia-Pacific

S Korea okays civilian visit to DPRK

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-13 15:57

SEOUL - The South Korean government said Friday it will allow a civilian visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for humanitarian purposes, the first time since it banned personnel exchanges with Pyongyang in May.

Related readings:  DPRK urges S Korea to create peaceful atmosphere  DPRK says it is watching S Korea's moves closely  S Korea approves sending more humanitarian aid to DPRK  S Korea approves to send powdered milk to DPRK

A doctor and two drivers are scheduled to travel next Tuesday to the DPRK's border town of Kaesong to deliver anti-malaria aid worth 400 million won ($336,000), the unification ministry in Seoul said in a press briefing.

The first permit comes after South Korea suspended on May 24 nearly all exchanges with the DPRK over the sinking of its warship in March, which it says was masterminded by Pyongyang. Seoul has since allowed only a few shipments to the DPRK based on humanitarian needs there.