Unification Minister Lee In-young has called for the Korea Tourism Organization(KTO) to take part in facilitating a resumption of the inter-Korean Mount Geumgang tour program. 

Lee made the request in a meeting with KTO President Ahn Young-bae at the government complex in Seoul on Wednesday, noting the tourism project is a symbol of peace linking the two Koreas. 

The KTO had been involved in the project since 2001 before it was suspended after a South Korean tourist was shot dead near the resort in the North. 

The minister said the Seoul-Washington summit successfully wrapped up, prompting expectation over Seoul’s growing roles and space to maneuver in inter-Korean relations. 

If the North responds to Seoul’s call to re-enage, Lee said, inter-Korean exchanges and the peace process on the peninsula will gain momentum again, emphasizing the importance of the resumption of the tours. 

He urged the company to take an active role by liaising with the ministry regarding the project as well as individual visits to the mountain resort.