( BBC ) - Leaders of the two Koreas are preparing to meet each other in only the second top-level summit between the two sides.
South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun says forging a permanent peace between the countries will be his top priority when he meets the North's Kim Jong-il.
He plans to cross the heavily fortified border on foot in a symbolic gesture.
The 1950-53 war between the two countries has never formally ended, but the government in Seoul has been building hopes for a permanent truce.
It says this summit may pave the way for that historic step.
"Many issues will be discussed but I will put priority on the establishment of peace on the Korean peninsula," said Mr Roh, before his departure.