 |
|
North Koreans bid their final farewell to their South Korean families on Aug. 26, the last day of the second round of the 21st reunion for families divided by the Korean War. (photo pool)
|
Visit in November would allow Koreans to hold their ancestral rites at Mt. Kumgang
On Aug. 31, Park Kyung-seo, head of the South Korean Red Cross, said that officials from the South and North Korean Red Cross had discussed having 500 South Korean members of families divided by the Korean War visit Mt. Kumgang this coming November to hold their ancestral rites. “If this event goes well, we’re planning to look into holding the ceremony in Pyongyang next year,” Park added. “We had a discussion with the North Koreans about putting together a group of around 500 South Korean divided family members to visit their hometowns for three days in November,” Park said in an earlier interview with the Voice of America (VOA). While the group won’t actually be visiting their hometowns, Park explained, they will be able to visit Mt. Kumgang and hold a ceremony for their ancestors at Mangbaedan, an altar next to the divided family reunion hall. “We discussed a number of other activities with North Korea, including some R&R at the hot springs and a performance by a North Korean dance and music troupe the next day. The three-day trip will be full of activities, including a tour of the beautiful scenery at Lake Samilpo and Haegeumgang Beach and a walk on Mt. Kumgang,” Park added. “If the visit to Mt. Kumgang in November is a success, we’re thinking of sending groups to other sites as well. We’re also planning to organize a three-day visit to Pyongyang by South Korean divided family members next spring,” Park said. By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
