Experts from 2 Korea to Conduct Field Trip to Mt. Baekdu

The two Koreas agreed Tuesday to hold a conference of experts to research volcanic activity at Mt. Baekdu in early May. The experts will meet either in Pyongyang or another convenient location, and carry out a field trip to the mountain in mid-June. The two sides made the agreement in a meeting in Kaesong on Tuesday.

Ryu In-chang, a geology professor from Kyungpook National University who attended the meeting as a civilian South Korean representative, said, "North Korea said seismic activity at Mt. Baekdu has been more frequent than in previous years but did not give a more detailed description." He added the North agreed to give the South data on the mountain before the conference."

A South Korean government official said, "There can be government-level talks after the experts meet if further negotiation or support from the governments is needed."

South and North Korea both "agreed on the need for joint research and mutual cooperation," according to the agreement. The detailed schedule will be finalized later.