The dinner proceeded in an amicable atmosphere overflowing with compatriotic feelings

N Korean news agency KCNA

Mr Kim told Ms Park at an honorary dinner for her that he would visit South Korea at an "appropriate time" - one of a number of issues on which he gave her positive responses.

Ms Park's visit to the North - coming as official inter-Korean ties are once again at a standstill - has attracted widespread interest.

Ms Park, an independent lawmaker who recently launched a new party, the Korean Coalition for the Future, is also a possible presidential candidate.

The visit is especially charged because Ms Park's mother was killed by a North Korean agent in 1974 as part of a bungled attempt to assassinate Park Chung-hee.

Kim's pledges

At a news conference on her return to Seoul, Ms Park told reporters that when she had asked the North Korean leader whether he would visit the South as agreed during the historic inter-Korean summit two years ago, he said that he would.

"He replied that he will honour the promise and make a return visit," she said. "He clearly has the intention to make a return visit. He said he would make a visit at the appropriate time."

She said Mr Kim also agreed to:

• The establishment of a permanent reunion centre for separated family members
• A joint investigation into a North Korean dam which Seoul fears could collapse and flood the South
• The North Korean football team visiting the South after the World Cup

In a positive sign in itself, North Korea has granted Ms Park's visit front-page status in the country's mouth-piece newspapers.

Ms Park, who had visited the North as executive member of a European business organisation, was also accommodated at Pyongyang's Paekhwawon Guesthouse - normally reserved for visiting heads of state and prime ministers.

"Kim Jong-il warmly welcomed Park Geun-hye... and had a cordial conversation with her," reported North Korea's official news agency KCNA.

"The dinner proceeded in an amicable atmosphere overflowing with compatriotic feelings," the agency said.