South Koreans cross into North Korea to see war-split family

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - More than 430 South Koreans crossed into North Korea on Saturday to reunite with relatives separated by the Korean War, just a day after troops exchanged gunfire in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the countries.

The South Koreans - mostly in their 80s - were to meet with the North Koreans in the North Korean resort of Diamond Mountain for three days before returning home, according to South Korea's Red Cross.

The reunions are emotional for Koreans, as most participants are elderly and are eager to see loved ones before they die. More than 20,800 family members have had brief reunions in face-to-face meetings or by video since a landmark inter-Korean summit in 2000. There are no mail, telephone or e-mail exchanges between ordinary citizens across the heavily fortified border.

The reunions - the first in more than a year - came a day after North Korea fired two rounds at a South Korean guard post in the Demilitarized Zone and South Korean troops immediately fired back.