Hyundai Merchant Marine said Thursday its speedboat "Hyundai Solbong" will go into service Saturday between Socho port and Changjon, a North Korean port near the company's Mount Kumgang resort.

The speedboat has operated on a temporary basis between Tonghaerday Port, near Sokcho, and Changjon since last October to ferry South Korean tourists to the scenic mountain in eastern North Korea.

When the new sea route opens, the speedboat's sailing hours will be shortened to three hours and 30 minutes from the previous six hours.

The 9,000-ton-class Hyundai Solbong, constructed in 1998, can ferry a maximum 730 passengers at 18 knots per hour, and has a deluxe restaurant and entertainment facilities on board.

Hyundai said the speedboat will first ferry passengers for a three-day visit, but that it would expand to a maximum 10 days around June when the lease on a North Korean hotel begins.