The first inter-Korean Liberation Day festival since national division began Sunday to mark the 60th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

On Sunday morning, a chartered Air Koryo flight brought 100 North Korean civilians, 65 soccer players and 17 officials to Incheon International Airport.

Delegation head Kim Ki-nam expressed the group's desire to visit the National Cemetery in Seoul on the occasion of Liberation Day to honor those who died for national independence.

After paying tribute at the cemetery, the two sides joined a national march from the entry of the Gangbyeon Expressway to Sangam World Cup Stadium for the opening ceremony.

An inter-Korean men's soccer game followed.

On Monday, officials of the two Koreas will hold their first joint ceremony for Liberation Day in 60 years.

Civic representatives will issue a special statement blasting Japan's history distortions and rising militarism after touring the infamous Seodaemun Prison in Seoul.

The closing ceremony Tuesday will be followed by a women's soccer game at the stadium.

The North Korean delegation will return home Wednesday.