South Koreans have had their first chance to apply for tourist trips to their country's Communist neighbour, North Korea.

The tours are being organised by Hyundai -- one of South Korea's largest companies -- and follow discussions with the North by the company's founder Chung Ju-yung at the weekend.

A five day trip by ship to the Kumgangsan district will cost an average of a-thousand dollars.

The BBC Seoul correspondent says priority for applications is expected to be given to older people who were born in the North before the peninsula was divided into two countries fifty years ago.

Up to ten million Koreans are estimated to have been separated from family members.

Hyundai has today Monday been briefing South Korea's president, Kim Jong-il, on developments.