North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho, center, arrives at the Beijing International airport in Beijing, Dec. 6. Ri arrived in key ally China for talks that come amid stalled efforts to persuade Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs. AP-Yonhap

By Kim Yoo-chul

If North Korean leader Kim Jong-un comes to Seoul within this year as he promised, he would be welcomed by a majority of people, according to a recent poll.

Given the limited time for preparation, political analysts say it would be extremely difficult for Kim to visit by the end of the year. But some raise the possibility of it taking place given the several unexpected events that have occurred over the past months.

South Koreans are ready to accept what would be a historic visit.

A survey conducted by Realmeter of 500 South Koreans over age 19, showed that 61 percent would welcome Kim's visit if it helps to improve inter-Korean relations and accelerate the ongoing peace process.

Thirty one percent of respondents responded that they didn't support the visit claiming it would be a "fake peace show."