A North Korean cargo ship has arrived in South Korea's largest port city of Busan for the first time in more than 50 years.

Busan maritime police said Sunday that the freighter Kangsong docked around 12:30 p.m. after departing from the North's western port of Nampo Friday.

The ship will enter the port of Gamcheon Monday morning after finishing official entry procedures.

The freighter is carrying 27 crew members and travel between Busan and the North Korean port of Rajin three times a month.

Busan maritime police and customs authorities have drawn up clearance procedures exclusively for the North Korean vessel.