More than 120 South Koreans have crossed the border to the North to meet relatives they have been separated from since the Korean peninsula was divided after the 1950-1953 war.

A six-day reunion started on Saturday in the Mount Kumgang resort in the North. 

Most of the participants were in their 70s or older, eager to meet their family members before they die.

Millions of families remain separated since the war ended in an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

There are no mail, telephone or e-mail exchanges between ordinary citizens from the two Koreas. Nor can they travel to the other side of the peninsula without government approval.

Family reunions began in 2000 following a landmark inter-Korean summit, but has been on hold since 2007 following political tensions.

About 16,000 people from the South and the North have been able to meet since the reunions began. Nearly 4,000 others have seen relatives in video reunions.