In pictures: Korean family reunions

Lee Yong-sil (R) of South Korea embraces her sister Lee Jong-Sil (L) of North Korea during a reunion event for families divided by the two countries, at the North Korean resort area of Mount Kumgang on 20 February, 2014 — Image caption,
Hundreds of North and South Korean relatives are meeting at a rare reunion for families separated by the Korean War.

Jang Choon, who has been selected as one of 82 participants of the reunion ceremony this Thursday, poses for photographs with a picture of his youngest brother Jang Ha-choon whom he will meet at a reunion ceremony, at his house in Namyangju, east of Seoul on 19 February 2014

For the participants, it is the first time they have seen their relatives in more than six decades, since the Korean Peninsula was divided in 1953.

South Korean buses transporting participants of the family reunion cross the border line as they leaves for Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea at Goseong, about 200 km (124 miles) northeast of Seoul on 20 February 2014

The South Koreans travelled to North Korea's Mount Kumgang resort for the reunion, which is scheduled to continue until 25 February.

Buses carrying attendees of a family reunion between North and South Korea leave the hotel in the eastern port city of Sokcho on 20 February 2014

More than a dozen of the South Koreans were in wheelchairs and two travelled in ambulances as they needed medical attention.

A man selected to attend the family reunions between North and South Koreans is checked by medical staff after arriving at the Hanwha resort in the eastern port city of Sockcho on 19 February 2014

The South Korean participants, who are selected by lottery, are asked to undergo basic health examinations before the reunion. Some end up unable to attend due to ill health or old age.

North Korean-born Kim Se-rim (L) leaves his house in Seoul as he prepares to make his way to a reunion of families from North and South Korea separated by the war, on 19 February 2014

Family members often carry gifts with them, including clothing, medicine and food for their relatives in the North. Authorities however, have warned against giving luxury items to family members.

South Korean Kim Sung-yun (L), 96, talks with her North Korean sister Kim Seok-ryeo (2nd L), 80, and family members during their family reunion at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea on 20 February 2014

Only 100 or so relatives are chosen to take part each time. The reunions are the only legal way for separated families to see each other again.

South Korean Park Yang-gon (R), 53, and his North Korean brother Park Yang-su, who was abducted by North Korea, cry during their family reunion at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea on 20 February 2014

The reunions are often challenging and highly emotional, with family members meeting for a few hours only before returning to their respective homes.