The government is seeking separate talks to establish a special West Sea peace zone with North Korea, one of the key accords in last week's inter-Korean summit declaration.

A top government official says the prime minister's office plans to propose exclusive talks on the matter given its great significance.

Seoul will form a steering committee of presidential aides and officials from the unification and defense ministries.

The two Korean leaders agreed in their summit last week to establish a special West Sea zone including the North Korean city Haeju and its surrounding waters, which will feature a joint fishing zone and a special business district.

In a briefing upon his return to Seoul Thursday, President Roh Moo-hyun called the proposed zone the key agreement in the joint declaration.