A civic group advocating national reunification has called for the lifting of South Korea's autonomous sanctions against the country and forthe resumption of operations at a now-closed joint industrial plant to pave the way for a thaw in cross-border ties

Pyongyang has not yet given any indication as to when it will allow Chinese tourists to return, despite previously contributing nearly $200 million in foreign currency annually

The problems experienced in recent weeks by people trying to phone North Korea from various countries, including those working with the country, could be related to the security surrounding Russian leader Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang

North Korean soldiers briefly trespassed on South Korean territory, for the third time in a fortnight, and returned to their country after the SK military had broadcast warnings and fired warning shots; according to SK, the trespassing was accidental

Planes from the Pyongyang International Airport runway have been completely cleared, a rare activity associated with visits by foreign leaders that probably signals preparations to host Russian leader Vladimir Putin as early as this week