The DPRK has scrapped a tourism deal with South Korea in the Kumgang Mountain area. South Korea is urging Pyongyang to retract its threat.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman says the South Korean government "feels very regretful". He stresses its stance the issue must be "solved through dialogue."
Chun Hae-Sun, Spokesman, S Korean Unification Ministry, said, "The South Korean government has a stance that the Kumgang Mountain and Kaesong tours issues have to be solved through dialogue. We once again say that all responsibilities following the DPRK's unilateral measure lie with the DPRK."
Chun added that such moves violate the contract it reached and serve as a reminder to potential foreign investors that the reclusive state is not a reliable business partner.
Tours to Kumgang Mountain began in 1998. They were halted in 2008 after a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a DPRK soldier. The two countries failed to reach agreement during talks in February on resuming tours because South Korea insists on the establishment of a mechanism to prevent similar incidents.
Hyundai Asan, the resort's South Korean tour operator also called on both sides to hold talks to resolve the dispute.