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Korean trains in historic link-up Korean trains in historic link-up
(about 1 hour later)
A pair of passenger trains have crossed the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea for the first time in more than 50 years.A pair of passenger trains have crossed the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea for the first time in more than 50 years.
The two trains - one travelling from the North and one from the South - each carried 150 passengers. The two trains - one travelling from the North and one from the South - each carried 150 invited passengers.
The five-carriage trains travelled about 25km (16 miles).The five-carriage trains travelled about 25km (16 miles).
The test runs were the first since rail links were severed during the 1950-53 Korean War, and are being seen as a breakthrough in relations.The test runs were the first since rail links were severed during the 1950-53 Korean War, and are being seen as a breakthrough in relations.
"It is not simply a test run. It means re-connecting the severed bloodline of our people," South Korean Unification Minister Lee Jae-joun said as the trains set off. As the trains set off, South Korean Unification Minister Lee Jae-joun expressed his hope that the crossing could herald a new era in North-South relations.
"This will be a turning point for overcoming the legacy of the Cold War era, tearing down the wall of division and opening a new era for peace and reunification," said.
A North Korean official, Kwon Ho-ung, said both nations "should not be derailed from the tracks" towards unification.A North Korean official, Kwon Ho-ung, said both nations "should not be derailed from the tracks" towards unification.
There were some small-scale demonstrations on the South Korean side, but they did not affect the crossing, which was marked by fireworks and cheers.
Twin tracksTwin tracks
Railway links are seen in the South as one of a number of ways to improve links with North Korea.Railway links are seen in the South as one of a number of ways to improve links with North Korea.
The South has pushed for more frequent crossings, but in talks last week managed only to convince the North to agree to an initial test run.The South has pushed for more frequent crossings, but in talks last week managed only to convince the North to agree to an initial test run.
The South wants to secure future border crossings The border region remains heavily mined, and a constant source of friction between North and South Korea, which never signed an official ceasefire at the end of their 1950-53 war. Even for that the North has extracted a high price, says the BBC's Charles Scanlon, in the demilitarised zone. South Korea will supply it with $80 million (£41m) worth of economic aid for the development of light industry.
A 4km (2.5 mile) buffer section in the middle of the border region is officially demilitarised. The border region remains heavily mined, and a constant source of friction between North and South Korea, which never signed an official ceasefire at the end of their 1950-53 war.
The trains ran on two sets of tracks, both built and maintained by South Korea.The trains ran on two sets of tracks, both built and maintained by South Korea.
Landmines and tank traps had been cleared from the narrow strip two years ago when the lines were reconnected.
One runs between Munsan station in South Korea and the North's Kaesong station in the west of the peninsula.One runs between Munsan station in South Korea and the North's Kaesong station in the west of the peninsula.
The other connects Jejin station and the North's Kumgang station in the east.The other connects Jejin station and the North's Kumgang station in the east.
The tracks have been reconnected - alongside roads - as part of recent reconciliation projects.The tracks have been reconnected - alongside roads - as part of recent reconciliation projects.
Border issueBorder issue
Pyongyang does not recognise the border drawn by the United Nations at the end of the Korean War.Pyongyang does not recognise the border drawn by the United Nations at the end of the Korean War.
Previous efforts to discuss cross-border trains have collapsed.Previous efforts to discuss cross-border trains have collapsed.
A rail link would bring advantages to both sides. Analysts say a rail link would bring advantages to both sides.
For South Korea, it would mean easily transporting goods produced using cheap North Korean labour.For South Korea, it would mean easily transporting goods produced using cheap North Korean labour.
Seoul hopes one day to connect its rail network to the Trans-Siberian railway, which runs from China through to Europe.Seoul hopes one day to connect its rail network to the Trans-Siberian railway, which runs from China through to Europe.
The line would boost tourism for the North by providing a link to a mountain resort on the east coast popular with South Koreans.The line would boost tourism for the North by providing a link to a mountain resort on the east coast popular with South Koreans.