N. Korea Begins Inspection of Mt. Kumgang Properties

North Korea began yesterday a survey on property in the Mount Kumgang area owned by South Korean companies, starting with a reunion center and fire station in Onjeong-ri, Goseong County, Gangwon Province.

By doing so, the North rejected the South’s argument that the reunion center not be subject to inspection. Seoul said the building is co-owned by the two Koreas for humanitarian purposes, and is not a tourist spot.

South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung said yesterday, “We were informed that North Korean investigators inspected the reunion facilities today. Hyundai Asan Corp. has run the reunion center on behalf of the South Korean government. Hyundai Asan workers did not try to prevent North Korean investigators from inspecting the place.”

The ministry said the investigators inspected the reunion center and fire station.

Pyongyang announced a property survey at Kumgang Hotel, where 19 South Korean businessmen who have run businesses around Mount Kumgang gathered.

“At the request of the Cabinet, we’ll inspect properties within the Mount Kumgang resort area held by South Koreans March 25-31,” the North said.

The South Korean businessmen were also asked to suggest relevant materials to evaluate the volume of South Korean investment.

The meeting ended after 15 minutes.

zeitung@donga.com kyle@donga.com