Seoul welcomed confirmation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that 22 North Korean athletes would compete in next month's Winter Olympics, saying yesterday it would aid peace and the easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula.

In the first of a series of preparatory visits, North Korean music and arts officials arrived in South Korea yesterday to inspect sites for performances during the Olympics.

"North Korea's participation in the Olympics will be a catalyst for building peace and easing tensions on the Korean peninsula," said South Korea's presidential Blue House in a statement released yesterday.

Photo: Reuters

The visit to the South marks the first by North Koreans since South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office in May last year and sought to re-engage with the North.

The seven-member North Korean delegation, led by musician Hyon Song-wol, will check venues for performances by a 140-strong art troupe at the Olympics.

South Korean broadcaster YTN reported the delegation had arrived in Seoul early yesterday under a heavy police presence, then boarded a train to Gangwon province, where the Olympics will be held from February 9-25.