SEOUL -- On its way to a historic summit at the truce village of Panmunjom, a presidential convoy came to a sudden stop in front of dozens of flag-waving supporters and well-wishers waiting outside the presidential office on Friday.
President Moon Jae-in, wearing a dark navy suit and a blue tie, stepped out of his sedan, shook hands with them and shared a short conversation of gratitude for their support. Many shouted "Be successful!" or "Come back with good results!"
From the presidential residence to a public square in the heart of Seoul, thousands of people line the streets, waving flags and shouting slogans of support. As the convoy, escorted by a dozen police motorbikes and armored vehicles, moved through the square, Moon left open a rear passenger window.
The convoy used an urban expressway to reach Panmunjom some 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Seoul.
South Korea's two late ex-presidents, Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, visited Pyongyang to meet then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2000 and 2007 respectively, but Kim Jong-un became the first to cross the border.