Construction of Cross-Border Railroad Commenced

South Korea yesterday held groundbreaking ceremonies at Torasan Station, the northernmost station of the Seoul-Shinuiju route in Southern territory, and at the Unification Observatory, a starting point for the Donghae Line.

North Korea organized similar ceremonies at Kaesong Station and Onjong-ri, the southernmost parts of its section of the two railroads, according to the Ministry of Unification.

Kim Seok-su, acting Prime Minister said at the ceremony to relink the Seoul-Shinuiju Line, "In addition to its symbolical meaning of linking the backbone of the peninsular, the reconnection of cross-border railroads and road has more significant implication in that two Koreas establish an infrastructure to promote exchanges and cooperation. The construction, which will take place in the Demilitarized Zone, will contribute a great deal to easing military tension and building confidence on the Korean peninsula."

Kim Yong-sam, high-ranking official in North Korea said, "The relinking of cross-border railroads and road is a project with great cause of overcoming the pains from the 50 year-long division of the nation and pulling together 70 million Korean people. We should try heart and soul to successfully complete this project for co-prosperity of two Korea."

South and North Korea agreed to complete the reconnection of the Seoul-Shinuiju Line by the end of this year and the cross-border road by next spring. The first stage of the construction for the Donghae Line and the overland road will be completed by next September.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com