Russia has reportedly said it would seriously consider a visit to South Korea by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the first half of next year. 

Former South Korean Ambassador to Russia Woo Yoon-keun told reporters on Thursday that Moscow gave a positive response to Seoul's invitation for Putin's visit. 

Woo has been in Moscow since Sunday as President Moon Jae-in's special envoy to mark the 30th anniversary of South Korea and Russia establishing diplomatic ties.

Wrapping up the trip, Woo told reporters that he met with Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov and delivered Moon's letter to Putin, asking him to visit Seoul next year, possibly in the first half. 

Woo said the aide gave a very positive response to the invitation. 

The two nations have sought for Putin to come to Seoul this year to mark the 30th anniversary, but the Russian president was unable to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic.