A Japan-South Korea cultural exchange festival has taken place in Seoul, welcoming people back for the first time in three years.

The festival is held annually by an organizing committee that includes Japanese and South Korean businesses.

Sunday's event was made possible because coronavirus restrictions, such as a cap on the number of people at events, were scrapped in Seoul. A similar festival in Tokyo on Saturday was streamed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Aiboshi Koichi gave a speech at the venue in Seoul. He said exchanges between the two countries will grow considerably as Japan will allow independent tourists and visa-free short stays from October 11.

A large number of South Koreans visited the festival. Some entered a section where they could wear summer kimonos called yukata.

A long line formed at a booth where visitors could enjoy yo-yoing and experience the atmosphere of traditional Japanese festivals.

Many visitors wore character costumes, including from the Japanese manga Demon Slayer and the South Korean TV drama Squid Game.

A high school student living in Seoul said the visitors were enjoying themselves and that she liked the atmosphere. She said she wants to visit Japan.