The first Korean man to join the tour in 2000 was Choi Kyung-ju, known overseas as K.J.

WSJ: The Swing That Started Korea's Surge

Mr Pae, believed to be a tour operator of Korean descent, is the sixth American detained in North Korea since 2009.

BBC: North Korea to issue verdict on US citizen

Though parking lots were jammed with Chinese tour groups and Korean families on day trips, the DMZ appeared to have fewer Western visitors than usual.

CNN: Don't be afraid, Seoul's message to tourists

Visitors on a tour bus from the South Korean side peer up at a North Korean building known as Panmungak.

NPR: NKorean Soldiers Put Down Arms To Help Plant Crops

Currently there are 11 players from South Korea or of Korean descent on the U.S. PGA Tour.

WSJ: The Swing That Started Korea's Surge

Television rights sold to South Korea form the largest slice of the LPGA Tour's broadcast revenue, and Korean advertisers favor the women's game over the men's.

WSJ: The Swing That Started Korea's Surge