The first delegation of North Korean athletes touched down in the South Korean city of Pusan on Monday for the upcoming Asian Games.
A group of 159 athletes and officials arrived on a special plane and were greeted by South Korean officials and supporters at Kimhae International Airport.
A 152-strong second group is expected Friday and a ship carrying more than 300 supporters is scheduled to arrive on Sunday.
"I would like to thank everyone for this reception," said Cho Sang Nam, secretary general for the North Korean delegation.
The North has previously shunned all international competitions held in the South, including this summer's soccer World Cup and the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Pyongyang's last-minute decision to send athletes means all 44 of the Olympic Council of Asia member nations will take part in the Games to be held Sept. 29-Oct. 14.
The two Koreas, technically still at war after failing to sign a peace treaty after the 1950-53 war on the peninsula, have again agreed to march together in the opening ceremonies.
As in the Sydney Olympic Games two years ago, athletes from the two countries will walk together under the unification flag, which bears a blue image of the Korean Peninsula on a white background.
The North Korean flag is banned in the South but authorities have made exceptions at the main stadium and athletes village.
However, the North's participation is likely to create waves for political reasons rather than sporting achievements.
The North finished in eighth place in the medal standings four years ago in Bangkok and medal prospects this time are strongest in weightlifting and women's judo.