Former President Kim Dae-jung says he strongly hopes to go to North Korea next month via an inter-Korean railway.

Former Unification Minister Chung Se-hyun, who will lead a delegation for talks with North Korean officials on Kim's visit Tuesday, said Monday that Kim has a firm desire to go to Pyongyang by train.

Chung also said Kim will likely go after mid-June since he will attend an event in Gwangju marking the 2000 inter-Korean summit from June 14th to the 17th.

Chung's delegation will spend the night in Gangwon Province Monday before crossing the border to the North's Mount Geumgang early Tuesday.

To meet with the vice chairman of the North's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, Ri Jong-hyok, Chung will discuss details of Kim's trip such as transportation, itinerary, and the size of his entourage.