South Korea's special envoy on North Korea human rights will leave for Europe this week to discuss the abject human rights situations in the reclusive country, the foreign ministry said Monday.

Lee Jung-hoon, who took office as Ambassador for North Korean human rights on Wednesday, plans to attend a seminar in Prague, set for Tuesday on the sidelines of an international forum, according to the ministry.

The visit to the Czech Republic marks his first overseas trip since inauguration. His post was created in line with a new law aimed at improving North Korea's dismal human rights situation that went into effect in September.

During the seminar the ministry said that Lee will deliver a speech in which he will focus on raising awareness of the human rights situation in the North.

Lee is also to visit Italy and Germany where he will hold meetings with local experts and policymakers on North Korean human rights, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)