North Korean POWs in Ukraine reveal 40-hectare Seoul replica military base just 65 km from South Korean border
Captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine have revealed that Pyongyang operates a military training base designed to resemble Seoul and other major South Korean cities, according to LRT.
South Korean lawmaker Yoo Young-won, who recently visited Ukraine and met with two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs), learned that the base is located in Koksan County, North Hwanghae Province, just 65 km from the Demilitarized Zone.
“This is a Defense Ministry training ground. The base features geographic layouts and buildings replicating Seoul’s Jongno District, as well as Busan, Daegu, Jeonju, and Jeju Island,” said a POW named Ri.
Radio Free Asia analyzed satellite imagery and supports these claims. Jacob Bogle, a satellite imagery expert, noted that the 3.5 km by 1.5 km facility includes a 40-hectare mock city divided into four sections for urban warfare training. Most structures are simple, single-story buildings, with a handful of two-story models. Many appear unfinished or are hollow training replicas.
Analysis suggests that construction of the Seoul mock-up began in 2020, replacing a standard military training site. In September 2024, Kim Jong-un personally inspected the Koksan base, where he reportedly gave instructions to troops.
South Korean Defense Ministry Spokesperson Koo Byoung-sam declined to comment in detail but said the discovery is “further proof that North Korea has not abandoned its ambitions to invade the South.”
Related:
- Kim Jong Un reaffirms support for Russia’s war in Ukraine
- North Korea tests new air defense system amid growing Russia partnership
- Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang deepens Russia-North Korea military alliance against Ukraine
- Seoul, Kyiv discuss transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea
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