Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in and the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un are holding a historic summit on Friday at the border village of Panmunjom.

Kim became the first DPRK leader to set foot on ROK soil in almost 70 years.

Updated at 9:30 a.m. BJT

The first inter-Korean Summit in over a decade started at the Peace House on the Republic of Korea (ROK) side of Panmunjom at 10:15 a.m. local time (0115GMT).

Kim Jong Un is accompanied by a nine-member delegation, including Kim's younger sister Kim Yo Jong and DPRK nominal head Kim Yong Nam, as well as top military officials and diplomats.

Moon said Kim's visit makes Panmunjom a symbol of peace, not division.

The DPRK leader said a new history has begun and he wishes for “frank” discussion on current issues and for agreements to be reached.

Updated at 9:00 a.m. BJT

People's Daily Online Photo

Ahead of the summit with ROK President Moon Jae-in, Kim Jong Un wrote a message in a guestbook at the Peace House.

"A new history begins now – at the starting point of history and the era of peace," the message read.

Updated at 8:35 a.m. BJT

Moon Jae-in held a welcoming ceremony for Kim Jong Un at the ROK side of Panmunjom on Friday morning.

In front of the Peace House, where the bilateral summit will later be held, the pair jointly inspected a ROK honor guard.

Updated at 8:30 a.m. BJT

VCG Photo

Kim walked cross the military demarcation line (MDL), marking the first time a DPRK leader has set foot on ROK soil since 1953.

The two leaders smiled and shook hands, after which Kim Jong Un gestured to Moon that they should cross over to the DPRK briefly. They did for a few steps, then held hands as they returned to the ROK side.