Hundreds of South and North Korean families separated from their loved ones for more than fifty years began tearful reunions on Wednesday.

Ninety-nine South Korean families crossed the heavily fortified demilitarized zone to arrive at North Korea’s scenic Mount Kumgang resort Wednesday afternoon.

There, they reunited with their loved ones living on the other side of the inter-Korean border in a group meeting, before a welcoming dinner at a hotel.

The families had private meetings Thursday morning before a tour to the Samilpo beach area.

The South Korean families will have one final reunion with their Northern relatives on Friday morning and return to the South in the afternoon.

For three days starting Saturday, 100 North Koreans will be reunited with their separated families living in South Korea.

The reunions are the first in eleven months.