N Korean fans make groundbreaking trip

It is the largest contingent to come to the South

By Caroline Gluck BBC News, Busan

Hundreds of North Korean sports supporters have arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan to attend the two-week-long Asian Games.

The unification flag was everywhere to be seen

Around 350 musicians, cheerers, reporters and sailors arrived by boat, the largest North Korean contingent to come to the South.

They are joining more than 300 athletes and officials who are competing in the games.

It marks the first time North Korea has taking part in any international sports event to be hosted by the rival South.

Breakthrough

Hundreds of South Koreans gathered at the harbour waving unification flags and banners to welcome the North Korean ferry boat.

It was the first North Korean passenger vessel to enter South Korean waters since the end of the Korean war nearly half a century ago.

Among those on board is a large band

The supporters on board include a 150-member music band.

North Korea's participation is seen as a major breakthrough and another symbol of efforts by the two countries to work towards reconciliation.

Until now the North had shunned all international sports events hosted by the rival South including the recent World Cup football finals which was co-hosted with Japan.

Flag etiquette

Athletes from the two Koreas will march together during the opening and closing ceremonies waving what's become known as the unification flag, showing a sky blue image of the undivided Korean peninsula on a white background.

The North's flag will be displayed and its anthem played for medal awarding and other official ceremonies.

But officials have made clear that carrying North Korean flags outside the sports venues is banned and that any South Koreans found waving the North Korean flag will be prosecuted under the South's strict anti-communist national security law.