S Korea considers tunnels to China, Japan: Reports

A state research institute is expected to produce a paper on its investigation before the end of the year at the request of the transport ministry, Yonhap news agency said.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper carried a similar report saying the ministry was reviewing the feasibility of the tunnels as part of its long-term plan for a high-speed railway network with Japan and China.

The ministry's transport institute has proposed the idea of building a tunnel between China's eastern port of Weihai and the west coast of the peninsula, it said.

The other tunnel, stretching about 220 kilometres (135 miles) would link South Korea's southern port of Busan and the Japanese island of Tsushima and Fukuoka port, the daily said.

But the tunnels may not be realised in the near future due to the massive amount of funds needed, Yonhap said, adding South Korea also needs agreement with its neighbours.

It quoted an unnamed ministry official as saying, "It may take tens of years before we start the project, even if the report says it is technically possible, as there are many other aspects we need to consider."