The trade zone is scheduled to be announced in Washington, DC, on Thursday at the National Press Club. More details are expected to be released at that time.

The government is undertaking the project in partnership with a US-based company called Winwheel Bullion LLC, for which little information was available. Its Web site is inactive; a cached FAQ page warns foreign governments not to try to call.

"Unless we give you a direct access telephone number, we are difficult to reach," it states. "Irrespective of circumstances, unless we show interest in your project through initial review of your written executive summary, the initial contact telephone conversation will not be helpful."

The company was incorporated in Nevada. The managing member and chief executive is Sung Jin Kim. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's office, Kim lives in Missouri. He could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

The most recent news involving the company dates back to November 2004, when the Korea Times reported that the US-based land developer had signed a memorandum of understanding with Muju County, North Cholla Province, for the joint $500-million development that was to include the World Taekwondo Federation Headquarters building, Taekwondo related facilities, hotels, a shopping mall, residential areas, a school, a hospital and public parks.

Thursday's news event will include Mongolian officials presenting American officials with a paizi, or passport, that was introduced dring the reign of Khubilai Khaan (the grandson of Chinggis Khaan). Worn around the neck or on clothing, the paizi entitled the traveler to move about the Empire freely and was given protection, accommodations, transportation, and was exempt from taxes/duties.