Key facts
- An estimated 960,000 land mines planted along the inter-Korean border since 2024.
- South Korean military provided the estimate to parliamentary intelligence and defense committees.
- North Korea has intensified border fortifications since April 2024.
- A Sept. 21 land mine explosion injured three South Korean soldiers.
North Korea has likely planted an estimated 960,000 land mines along the inter-Korean border since 2024, according to South Korean lawmakers. The estimate was reported by the South's military to the National Assembly's intelligence and defense committees. This action is seen as part of Pyongyang's border fortification efforts following its declaration of a "two hostile states" policy toward Seoul in late 2023. Since April 2024, North Korean troops have been observed installing fences, laying mines, and erecting anti-tank barriers along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Tensions have escalated following a Sept. 21 land mine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers, an incident Seoul attributes to North Korea. Pyongyang has denied responsibility and threatened to resume propaganda broadcasts and deploy tactical weapons.