Seoul: North Korea has begun dismantling a facility at its Mount Kumgang resort that was used for reunions of families separated by the Korean War, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Thursday. The move marks another sign of deteriorating inter-Korean relations.
In a statement, the ministry urged Pyongyang to halt the demolition immediately, calling the action an “anti-humanitarian act that tramples on the wishes of separated families.” South Korea warned that it would explore legal measures and seek a coordinated international response.
Escalating Tensions Between North and South
Tensions between the two Koreas have intensified in recent years, with North Korea officially designating South Korea as a “hostile state”. In a further sign of deteriorating relations, Pyongyang demolished sections of inter-Korean roads and rail links near the border last year, prompting South Korean forces to fire warning shots.
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The situation worsened in 2023 when North Korea scrapped a 2018 military agreement designed to reduce the risk of unintended clashes. In response, South Korea also withdrew from the accord.
Signs of Reopening Amid Political Tensions
Despite the rising hostility, there are indications that North Korea may be preparing to reopen its borders to foreign visitors for the first time in more than five years. The country had shut down all tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on Thursday that tours to North Korea were “officially back,” with some of its staff permitted entry into the Rason area. The company expressed hope that this could signal the broader reopening of North Korea’s tourism sector.
