The conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra says symphony musicians from North and South Korea have agreed to stage joint performances in both countries later this year.

Chung Myung-whun announced the agreement Friday in Seoul after returning from a four-day trip to North Korea. Chung told reporters the concerts would be held alternatively in Seoul and Pyongyang sometime in December, pending approval from both governments.

The maestro also said they will cooperate on a project to cultivate musical talent.

The North's official news media says Chung watched and conducted two orchestras during his visit, including the State Symphony Orchestra. He also had discussions with members of the creative community.

Chung, who also serves as goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children's agency UNICEF, acknowledged that such an exchange would not lead to any changes in North Korea's political system.

The divided Koreas are slowly attempting to improve inter-peninsula ties that turned icy after the North's deadly bombing of a South Korea border island last November, and the sinking of a South Korean warship Seoul blamed on Pyongyang.

South Korea recently allowed a religious delegation to visit Pyongyang for a joint Buddhist service.