The Unification Ministry is considering test runs for the inter-Korean railway set to open in April.

New Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok on Monday told a meeting that if Pyongyang agrees, trials will proceed for the Gyeongui Line connecting Seoul and the North Korean border city of Sinuiju.

Sources said several officials proposed conducting test runs in March ahead of the planned April visit to Pyongyang by former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

Lee said the North has yet to give an official reply on Kim's visit.