SEOUL - South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan left Monday for China for talks with his counterpart over issues including the nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

During his three-day visit, Kim is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and pay a visit to Premier Wen Jiabao. The top diplomats' meeting on Tuesday is expected to address issues including bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation and the DPRK's uranium enrichment program.

Seoul and Washington have been seeking to persuade the United Nations Security Council to condemn the uranium enrichment program, which they say breaches Pyongyang's international obligations and alleged commitment to denuclearization.

The minister's trip to Beijing will mark the first of his since taking office last fall. Seoul and Beijing agreed last year to regularly hold meetings between top diplomats.