Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said Friday that the time is ripe for opening a regular air route linking the two Koreas in light of the frequency of bilateral exchanges.

The minister told the National Assembly that Seoul will map out an air route as soon as possible, adding that about 450 flights between the two Koreas were made during the first four years of the current administration.

Lee also said that Seoul proposed the opening of a regular inter-Korean air route during ministerial talks in late February, suggesting that the two Koreas are already discussing the issue.

The minister noted that Seoul will, in principle, allow South Koreans to visit the North through Incheon or Gimhae International Airport, although individual travel plans could be affected by inter-Korean relations or the purpose of the visit.