A South Korean fisherman, who was abducted by North Korea while aboard a fishing boat more than 31 years ago, has returned home to his family.

Choi Uk-il boarded a plane bound for Incheon International Airport some 12 days after Chinese authorities in the city of Shenyang transferred custody of the fisherman to South Korea.

A diplomatic source said Tuesday that the two governments have completed all necessary paperwork for Choi's return.

During the past two weeks, the fisherman stayed in the South Korean consulate in Shenyang and was questioned by Chinese police on how he escaped the North.

Choi was kidnapped by North Korean agents in 1976 while aboard a squid fishing boat on the East Sea.