United States Opposed to Resumption of Mt. Kumgang Tourism

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Jan. 27 that the U.S. government raised an objection to the South Korean government’s intention to move ahead with inter-Korean economic cooperation projects including Mt. Kumgang tourism and the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

According to the newspaper, National Security Advisor Chung Eui-Yong met with National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien on Jan. 7 and said that President Moon Jae-in is planning to lead North Korea to denuclearization by improving inter-Korean relations and his plans include resumption of Mt. Kumgang tourism, reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and railway and road modernization in the North. The newspaper also reported that the U.S. national security advisor mentioned U.N. sanctions on North Korea in expressing his objection.

The South Korean national security advisor delivered the same message during his Jan. 8 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump but the U.S. president showed no response.

“The South Korean government is planning to allow individual tourism to North Korea by South Korean tourists given a visa by a travel agency in a third country such as China,” the newspaper said, adding, “However, no inter-Korean agreement is likely on the issue and the North is unlikely to issue a visa to South Koreans.”