Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung says that recently reconnected cross-border railways will serve to further develop an inter-Korean industrial park and boost tourism to a mountain resort in North Korea, after tests are conducted on the railways Thursday.

He said Monday that the Gyeongui and Donghae Railways, which are to be tested this week, are necessary for logistics and commuter transport to the Gaesong Industrial Complex and to boost tourism to Mount Geumgang.

The minister said that following trial operations, the government will work to realize the launch and regularization of train service as agreed by the two Koreas.

He said that once the inter-Korean railway is connected with Russian and Chinese rails, it will provide abundant opportunities for the Korean economy.