When the Korean War broke out and ended in the 1950s, millions of Korean families were forced to be separated. With no means of communication between them—no mail, telephone or e-mail–these families were left to think the worst have happened to their families who they thought were lost forever.

But for the first time in years, some of these families will be able to see each other again. 97 families were given the chance to reunite with their families Saturday on Mount Keumgang, a resort in North Korea near the eastern part of the border. These families were given only a few days to spend quality time with each other.

The reunions were a result of a three-day talk between North and South Korea and mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross last month.

About 10,000 people applied for this chance but fewer than 200 families were allowed to take part this year. In addition to the 97 families who reunited Saturday, 99 families will have their chance next week.

The families were selected randomly so the others who were not as lucky don’t know when they will get their own chance.

These reunions have been going on and off since 2000 after an inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang. The last happened on October 2007.