The entry procedures for the North Korean women’s soccer team, known as the ‘Hometown Team,’ have commenced.
The Korea Football Association filed a request on the 10th for approval of the North Korean team’s visit through the inter-Korean exchange cooperation system, as reported by the Ministry of Unification on the 11th.
A Ministry of Unification official announced that they will grant visit approval by the 17th, the expected arrival date of the Hometown Team, after consulting with relevant agencies. The review process will reportedly utilize team member identity documents provided by the Korea Football Association.
According to the current Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, North Korean nationals must obtain government approval to visit South Korea. Applications are typically submitted at least a week before the planned entry date.
Once approved, the North Korean delegation will receive visitor permits for their stay in South Korea. This is an administrative measure in line with inter-Korean exchange procedures.
The Hometown Team is set to face Suwon FC Women in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) on the 20th in Suwon.
This marks the first time since late 2018, when North Korean athletes participated in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals, that a North Korean team will officially visit South Korea for a sports event.