North Korea reportedly asked the government to reduce the inter-Korean railway cargo service that was launched last year.

A Defense Ministry source in Seoul says that the North made the request during working level military talks on Friday. North Korean senior colonel Pak Rim-su said it's better to reduce the service, citing empty trains that run on the cross-border Gyeongui Railway.

But Seoul officials said regular service is desirable for stable rail service and an expanded logistics foundation.

Currently, a freight train runs once a day between the South's Munsan and the North's Bongdong.

South officials proposed the inter-Korean subcommittee on rail cooperation handle the details of operating the rail service.

The cargo service on the inter-Korean railway launched December eleventh to transport goods to and from the North's Gaesong Industrial Complex. But the Defense Ministry says the train ran empty for most days.