South Korea is reviewing whether to provide financial support to treat damage found in pine trees at a mountain resort on North Korea's east coast, a Unification Ministry official said Tuesday.
  

A group of experts from the Korea Forest Research Institute recently visited Mount Kumgang in North Korea to look into the cause of why some pine trees there have withered and turned yellow.
  

A test result showed that it is not the potentially lethal pine wilt disease, but an ailment that can be combated with proper treatment.
  

The Unification Ministry said that the government is considering whether to offer financial support to treat the pine trees.
  

"Two types of diseases were found in the pine trees at Mount Kumgang," said the official, asking not to be named. "It seems to be appropriate to conduct pest control for such trees in spring and autumn. Based on the test outcome, the government plans to decide whether to provide help."
  

Sitting on the east coast near the heavily fortified inter-Korean border, Mount Kumgang is famous for its scenic views, impressive peaks and thick pine tree forests.
  

South Korean company Hyundai Asan kicked off a cross-border tour program at Mount Kumgang in 1998, a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation.
  

But Seoul suspended the tour program in 2008, after the shooting death of a South Korean female tourist by a North Korean solider at the resort.
 

The ministry earlier said that Seoul approved the visit to the North by experts because they believe Mount Kumgang is an asset the two Koreas need to protect together.
  

It made it clear, however, that the probe has nothing to do with the possible resumption of the joint tour program. (Yonhap)