The Unification Ministry says it is monitoring movement by North Korea to open the Oegeumgang area to Western tourists. Located on Mount Geumgang's eastern side, the area was developed by South Korea’s Hyundai Asan corporation.

According to reports, foreign tourism is scheduled to begin from August, but a ministry official said nothing has been confirmed. The official added that a dispute over the infringement of business rights is likely to erupt as North Korean authorities are expected to allow Western tourists to access the Oegeumgang area. However, the official said the decision is Hyundai Asan's to make.

A Hyundai Asan representative said the announced itinerary is tight, making it unlikely that the North will utilize the company's facilities. North Korea froze the South Korean company’s assets at Mount Geumgang in April.

However, North Korea commented that the termination of South Korean tourism to the resort makes it unreasonable to protest future tourist access, since North Korea is a partner in the joint venture.

Koryo Tours, a tourism agency based in Beijing that specializes in tours to the North, said Wednesday on its Web site that it is currently selling eleven-day packages that include tours to the mountain resort. The itinerary includes an August 14th tour of Oegeumgang.