One of the world's most closely guarded borders -- the frontier between North and South Korea -- was opened briefly today to allow five hundred and one cattle to cross it.

The cattle were accompanied by one of South Korea's richest men -- the founder of the Hyundai group, Chung Ju-yung, who organised the shipment as part of an initiative to ease chronic food shortages in North Korea.

Mr Chung, who was born in the North, is expected to meet the North Korean leader, Kim Jong- il, during his visit.

This is the second shipment of cattle that Mr Chung has delivered to the North.

His earlier visit in June was overshadowed by controversy when seventy-one cattle died and the North accused the South of a plot.

The North Koreans later withdrew the accusation describing it as misunderstanding.