N. Korea launches air route to Mount Kumgang

North Korea has launched an air route from China to the scenic Mount Kumgang on its east coast, Pyongyang's official media said Friday.

A group of Chinese tourists led by the manager of the Yanbian Chunwoo International Travel Agency flew into Pyongyang Thursday from the northeastern Chinese city of Yanji, according to the Rodong Sinmun, the mouthpiece of the North's ruling Workers' Party.

Chinese media said the air route to Mount Kumgang will operate from Yanji every Monday and Friday, carrying tourists on either a four or five-day tour.

The route does not go directly to the resort, but requires passengers to take a connecting flight in Pyongyang to the eastern port city of Wonsan. A five-day tour costs about 4,500 Chinese yuan ($706) per person.

It is the first time North Korea has operated a regular flight to Mount Kumgang, although Chinese tourists have previously traveled there on chartered flights.

Last month, Chinese media said the same travel agency launched the first cruise program from China to Mount Kumgang.

The tours are a key source of income for the impoverished North.

A tour program for South Koreans was suspended following the

2008 shooting death of a South Korean tourist by a North Korean soldier near the resort. (Yonhap News)