The Foreign Ministry has expressed hope that the PyeongChang Olympics can serve to spur dialogue for the resolution of North Korea's nuclear crisis.

During a regular briefing Thursday, ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk was asked about possible contact between high-level officials of North Korea and the U.S. in South Korea during the Olympic period.

The spokesman said it is difficult to predict that possibility but said the South Korean government, based on its alliance with the U.S., has urged Pyongyang to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at resolving the nuclear issue.

He added that Seoul is also exerting efforts to foster favorable conditions for talks between the U.S. and North Korea.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is leading a high level delegation to South Korea for the Olympics while North Korea's government delegation includes Kim Jong-un's younger sister Kim Yo-jong and the country's nominal head of state and parliamentary leader Kim Yong-nam.