Inter-Korean family reunions start today

Selected families separated during the 1950-53 Korean War will meet starting today at the Mount Geumgang resort just north of the border on the eastern coast.

Coming nearly two years after the last round of inter-Korean family reunions, the six-day event will allow 545 South Koreans to meet with 339 relatives from the North, the Unification Ministry said.

Ninety-six South Koreans - nine in their 90s, 52 in their 80s, 32 in their 70s and four aged below 70 - underwent an orientation and health checkups at Sokcho yesterday.

They will be accompanied by South Korean Red Cross president Yoo Chong-ha to Mount Geumgang to meet with 240 family members from the North over the weekend through Monday.

Yoo`s North Korean counterpart Chang Jae-un will lead the North Korean group.

Another 99 North Koreans will meet with 449 family members from the South from Tuesday through Thursday, just before the Chuseok holidays.

(sophie@heraldm.com)



By Kim So-hyun