The expansion comes as the city's proposed exchanges with Pyongyang are expected to pick up speed, such as through the establishment of a joint water supply company, the creation of an animation industry complex in Pyongyang and joint efforts to list the North's historical sites on the UNESCO heritage list.

Seoul also seeks to co-host a South Korean national athletic event with Pyongyang and hold football friendly games between the two cities.

The official said the envisioned inter-Korean projects bureau is expected to include a department in charge of diplomacy with foreign cities, especially cities in developing countries. It also plans to create a new vice mayor post responsible for city diplomacy. (Yonhap)