South Korea recovers landmines believed to have washed from North by monsoon floods

South Korean authorities have retrieved 15 suspected North Korean landmines from coastal regions near the inter-Korean border, following heavy monsoon rains that likely transported the weapons from the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). The discovery was confirmed by officials in Gwangwha, a northern coastal county, on Friday, marking another instance of unexploded ordnance surfacing due to environmental factors. The DMZ, established after the 1950-53 Korean War, remains one of the most heavily mined zones globally, with estimates suggesting up to 800,000 landmines are buried within the area. Military records indicate that while many of these devices date back to the conflict, ongoing mine-laying activities by North Korean forces continue to pose a threat. The latest retrieval follows warnings issued by Seoul’s military earlier this month regarding the potential for explosive materials to be carried by floodwaters into South Korean territory. Choi Young-ran, head of civil defence for Gwangwha, stated that the 15 mines were discovered along coastal areas between 23 July and 3 August. She noted that the devices were “believed to have been washed away during the monsoon season and recent torrential rains.” Officials confirmed that all 15 mines had been safely removed and secured for further analysis. Gwangwha, located at the mouth of the Han River estuary, lies directly adjacent to the border dividing North and South Korea. Its strategic position makes it particularly susceptible to the movement of objects across the boundary, especially during periods of extreme weather. County officials have previously issued warnings to local residents about the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, particularly in areas where mining activity persists. In 2015, two South Korean soldiers suffered severe injuries after stepping on a North Korean landmine while conducting routine patrols in the western DMZ. The incident highlighted the persistent risks associated with the region’s militarised landscape. More recently, Gwangwha county issued alerts urging caution among residents, especially those engaged in manual labor such as clam digging, which often takes place in shallow waters near the coast. Local resident Park Heung-yeol described the situation as concerning, noting that tourist activity declined temporarily after the 2015 incident. Despite the ongoing risks, approximately 300 individuals continue to engage in manual clam harvesting, raising concerns about safety. Park acknowledged the danger but emphasized the economic necessity of the work for some families. North Korea’s vulnerability to natural disasters has intensified due to deforestation and inadequate infrastructure, making it prone to catastrophic flooding. Specialist outlet NK Pro reported that in late July, heavy rains caused a dam to collapse at a major border military base, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes. Satellite images revealed that at least 380 single-story row houses were entirely swept away, with the location identified as a critical artillery command center. Residents living along the highly restricted border face regular disruptions and threats, including the release of trash-filled balloons and unusual audio signals transmitted from Pyongyang. These incidents have become a recurring feature of life in the region, contributing to a climate of tension and uncertainty. Under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, such broadcasts gained particular notoriety, though current administrations have taken steps to mitigate their impact through increased monitoring and public awareness campaigns. As the monsoon season continues, experts warn that the risk of additional landmines being displaced into South Korean territory remains elevated. Authorities are preparing for the possibility of further discoveries, emphasizing the need for vigilance and continued efforts to secure the border region.