S. Korean delegation lands in Pyongyang

An Air Koryo passenger plane carrying the South Korean delegation for the inter-Korean reunion of separated families lifted off from the runway at Kimpo Airport and made its way to Pyongyang to arrive at Sunan Airport at around 1:45 p.m., five minutes earlier than expected.

The passengers on the plane felt the reality of the reunion as they were guided by stewardesses when they filled out disembarkation cards and customs declarations.

The South Korean delegation members took their designated seats and looked with curiosity at the Rodong Shinmun of the North, as well as other periodicals and magazines placed before them.

Using a direct air route between the two Koreas, once the aircraft entered North Korean territory, cheers rang throughout the vessel and the passengers rushed to the windows on the hull to get a better view of the North, filled with a sense of homecoming long overdue after a 50 year wait.

The Air Koryo stewardesses served drinks and snacks to the passengers and often asked whether they were comfortable. They seemed to take special care of the members of the delegation. The stewardesses kept their hair neat with red or yellow headbands and wore Kim Il-Sung badges. Among the drinks served were Sunkist and Sprite, labeled in English. Gum, which came in a wrapper labeled "Banana," was also on offer. As the aircraft approached Pyongyang and Pyongyang¡¯s Sunan Airport came into view, another round of cheers rang throughout the hull. For the passengers, it seemed like a dream come true. As the plane taxied down the runway after touching down, an announcement came over the PA wishing the members of the delegation unforgettable reunions with their families and reminding them not to leave anything behind.

At Sunan Airport, the North`s media teams were prepared and ready. Many had come with bouquets for the passengers. The head of the South Korean delegation, Chang Choong-Sik, disembarked in the lead and came face to face with the Chairman of North Korea¡¯s Red Cross, Chang Jae-Uhn. Chang Choong-Sik introduced himself as the president of the (South) Korea National Red Cross and thanked his counterpart for coming to meet the South`s delegation. He then shook hands individually with the North`s Red Cross officials.