Seoul is considering an undersea pipeline in the East Sea to import natural gas from Siberia as a continued chill in inter-Korean ties makes the idea of an overland pipeline through North Korea look unpromising.

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy and Korea Gas Corporation on Tuesday discussed import of Siberian gas with the CEO of Gazprom, Russia's largest state-run energy corporation. Alexei Miller arrived in Seoul the previous day.

KOGAS and Gazprom are reportedly considering an undersea pipeline in the East Sea linking Vladivostok with Samcheok in Gangwon Province, where a new natural gas storage facility is to be built.

The two corporations are also considering delivery of liquefied natural gas to South Korea by LNG vessels.