Seoul and Pyongyang have also agreed to hold what would be a third inter-Korean summit late next month. The widely unexpected concessions came in an unprecedented meeting between the South Korean envoys and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday.

"We have overcome one obstacle, while there exist many before we can reach lasting peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Moon told the prayer meeting, attended by some 5,000 people.

"It is also true that there exist many open wounds within us, caused by long feuds and conflicts," he added.

However, the president said the country must walk the long and arduous path.

"We cannot leave our fate in others' hands. We will lay foundations to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, working closely with the US and the international community while talking with North Korea," Moon said.

Chung and Suh Hoon, head of the National Intelligence Service, were set to head to Washington later in the day to explain the outcome of their trip to Pyongyang, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said earlier.

The special envoys are also scheduled to visit China, Russia and Japan, which are members of the six-nation talks on ending North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

The denuclearization dialogue also involves the two Koreas and the United States. They have been stalled since late 2008. (Yonhap)