Waving off the bovine peace mission

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 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.

Making amends

This is the second shipment of cattle organised by the Hyundai founder. His earlier visit in June was overshadowed by controversy when 71 cows died and the North accused the South of a plot.

North Korea's famine has left hundreds of thousands starving

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

Mr Chung, who is now in his 80s, says he ran away from home several times - and once financed a trip by by selling one of his father's cows without permission.

The gift of cattle is said to be a way for him to make amends for his youthful crime.

Cows and cars for peace

Kim Jong- il is to meet Mr Chung and his cows

The two Koreas are still technically at war. Divided at the end of the World War II, the separation led to bitter conflict between the two countries in the 1950s which has never been officially resolved.

Talks in Geneva a week ago made some progress towards coming up with a peace treaty nearly 50 years after the open hostilities ended.

Hyundai honorary chairman Chung Ju-yung - wants improved North-South relations

But while North Korea is suffering from a massive famine, it continues to isolate - and sometimes alienate itself from the rest of the world. In August, North Korea fired a rocket over Japan, which it said was to launch a satellite.

Mr Chung is playing a part in trying to improve relations and trade links between the two Koreas.

Along with the cows, he is driving some of Hyundai's most luxurious cars as a gift for Kim Jong-il.