The Seoul metropolitan government has sent medical supplies and equipment worth 460 million won, about 300-thousand U.S. dollars, to North Korea.

The city government said that, on Saturday, it sent medical supplies and equipment --- including digital X-ray equipment, heating and cooling cabinets, tweezers, bandages and medicine -- to help modernize North Korea’s cancer research institute.

Seoul raised the money for the operation on its own as part of a fund for inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation.

The city government is planning to raise an additional 500 million won for cultural exchanges, natural disaster relief and welfare programs for North Korean children.