Ruling Grand National Party (GNP) chairman Hong Joon-pyo said the proposed gas pipeline to run from Russia to South Korea through North Korea would take just one year and six months to build.

Hong told reporters Thursday if a deal is struck among the three parties, the pipeline would be completed quickly as construction would proceed simultaneously in sections to accelerate progress.

Hong said the gas pipes would be underground. He also said that South Korea has prepared responses to address various issues that could be raised by the North after the pipeline is finished.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il have apparently agreed in principle on building the pipeline. The two Koreas and Russia will hold negotiations on it in November this year.