Ex-first lady to visit N.Korea in early August

Former first lady Lee Hee-Ho is scheduled to fly to North Korea in early August.

Members from the South's Kim Dae-Jung Peace Center and the North's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee agreed on Lee's itinerary for her trip to Pyongyang yesterday (Monday).

During her visit to the North Korean capital set for Aug. 5 to 8, the widow of former President Kim Dae-Jung will visit several places such as children's and maternity hospitals and a preschool.

Although firm plans have not been made for Lee to meet with the North's young leader Kim Jong-Un, both sides seem open to meeting face to face.

Lee has said her trip to the North would contribute to easing escalating tensions between the two Koreas.