Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met with the leader of the largest Buddhist sect Monday and requested the religious community to play a role in improving inter-Korean ties. Chung made the call during a meeting with Ven. Jinwoo, leader of the Jogye sect, at Jogye Temple in central Seoul, amid Seoul's ongoing efforts to engage North Korea in talks aimed at easing tensions and improving relations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung emphasized the potential impact of Buddhist teachings on fostering peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas. He expressed his hope that the Buddhist community could contribute significantly to this cause.

Ven. Jinwoo, the Buddhist leader, responded positively to the government's initiatives with North Korea. He suggested that cultural approaches could facilitate smoother interactions and help cultivate a reconciling atmosphere between the two nations. He also proposed the idea of joint Buddhist events with North Korea at Mount Kumgang, a site recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, indicating North Korea's potential openness to such cultural engagements.