A women's football club from North Korea, Naegohyang Women's FC, arrived in South Korea on Sunday, marking the first visit by North Korean athletes to the South in eight years. The delegation of 27 players and 12 staff flew via China to Incheon International Airport.

The team is set to compete in the Asian Champions League semifinals against South Korea's Suwon FC Women on Wednesday in Suwon. All 7,087 tickets available to the public sold out within a day, reflecting strong public interest.

The winner will face either Melbourne City or Tokyo Verdy in the final on Saturday. The North Korean team is approved to stay through the weekend, with a return planned the day after if eliminated.

South Korea's Unification Ministry allocated 300 million won (€172,000; $200,000) from an inter-Korean cooperation fund to support cheering squads for both sides. Minister Chung Dong-young is reportedly considering attending the match.

The visit comes amid strained inter-Korean relations. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recently called South Korea the "most hostile state" and opposed reunification, while South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for improved ties.

In line with Asian Football Confederation rules, the Korean Unification Flag will not be used at the match, as it involves club teams rather than national sides.

Source: www.dw.com