The senior Chinese official in charge of North Korea policy, Wang Jiarui, is expected to visit South Korea soon.

A high-ranking source in Seoul who personally delivered his government's invitation to Wang last month says the Chinese official will likely make a visit within the year.

The source predicted Wang's trip will help improve the Seoul-Beijing relationship.

Wang reportedly played a key behind-the-scenes role at the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and Chinese President Hu Jintao in Changchun last week.

His last visit to South Korea was in 2007.