In what is being seen as a measure of inter-Korean reconciliation, organizers said Thursday that the North Korean flag would be allowed to fly during the upcoming world university games.

This year's summer Universiade will open in South Korea's southeastern city of Daegu on Aug. 21 for an 11-day run. A record 171 countries, including the North, will take part.

Staunchly anti-communist South Korea has strict laws banning any activities seen as supporting the communist North, with violators subject to long prison terms. Seoul has selectively bent the law in a nod to inter-Korean reconciliation.

During the university games, North Korean flags will be allowed to fly at the main stadium, the athletes' village, international conferences attended by North Korean delegates and medal awarding ceremonies involving Northern athletes.

However, South Koreans will be banned from waving North Korean flags both inside and outside of stadiums and making unauthorized contacts with the Northern visitors.