The Unification Ministry said Tuesday that it has allowed a South Korean trip to North Korea for a project aimed at preserving traditional Korean homes called "hanok" in the North Korean border city of Gaeseong.
 
A ministry official says the request by the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation was approved Monday as the government has allowed nonpolitical inter-Korean exchanges in society and the arts. The official added the Gaeseong project also seeks to preserve joint Korean cultural heritage.
 
A group of five, including a researcher at the foundation, will make the cross-border visit on Wednesday. They will meet with five North Korean counterparts to discuss preserving hanoks and holding a global forum.
 
The Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation is known to be planning a two-day academic forum in Gaeseong this year to be attended by UNESCO and other international organizations.
 
A cluster of some 300 hanoks are relatively intact in the border city. North Korea has recognized their value and designated the area as a preservation zone.