An expert on the Korean language has called for measures to narrow the widening culture and language gaps between the two Koreas.
 
Emeritus Professor Lee Joo-haeng of Chung-ang University expressed his concerns Friday at a seminar on the different nature of the Korean language between the two Koreas.
 
Lee said South and North Korean TV and radio programs should be allowed for viewing across the border and a joint translation research center should be established.
 
The seminar was organized by Dream Makers for North Korea, a private foundation based in Seoul for South Korean prisoners of the Korean War and North Korean escapees.
 
At the seminar, a North Korean escapee majoring in business administration at Seoul National University said many escapees suffer hardships in adjusting to South Korean society due to the language gap and end up not speaking at all.