Koreas to begin joint railway survey this week

SEOUL, Nov 28 (AFP): The two Koreas will begin a joint survey on reconnecting railways across their border this week, Seoul said on Wednesday, the latest move in a rapid reconciliation drive between the two countries.

Linking up the railway systems was one of the agreements made earlier this year between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South's President Moon Jae-in.

The two countries - technically still at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a ceasefire instead of a peace treaty - have said they aim to hold a groundbreaking ceremony before the end of the year.

The unification ministry said a South Korean train will depart from Seoul early Friday and cross the border on a 18-day joint mission to examine the North's rail system.

It will be the first time since 2007 a train from the South will enter North Korea.

The train will have 28 South Korean passengers on board - mostly officials and experts - as well as 55,000 litres of fuel and other unspecified materials.