North and South Korean Women's Soccer Teams Play in South Korea

A women's soccer match between teams from North Korea and South Korea took place in South Korea on a rain-soaked Wednesday. The North Korean team traveled without its own supporters. Civic groups in South Korea organized volunteers to cheer for both teams. A traditional dance troupe performed outside the stadium, beating drums and brass gongs while calling out the names of both teams.

Their families had lived in what is now North Korea before fleeing during the 1950-53 Korean War. The North Korean team is named Naegohyang Women's F.C., which means "my hometown" in Korean. The visit by the North Korean club resonated with people whose relatives remain separated by the border between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between North Korea and South Korea remain near a historic low.