North Korea deploys nearly 1m landmines in DMZ since 2024

North Korea has planted approximately 1 million landmines throughout the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas since the beginning of 2024, according to South Korea's military intelligence. The unprecedented deployment represents a major expansion of the heavily fortified border region, which has remained one of the world's most militarised frontiers for over seven decades.

Beyond the mine installation, North Korean troops have conducted extensive preparatory work along the DMZ, including clearing vegetation and constructing physical barriers. These activities suggest a coordinated effort to reinforce defensive positions and restrict movement across the border.

The scale of North Korea's recent military activity in the DMZ reflects heightened tensions on the peninsula. South Korean officials have characterised the developments as part of broader efforts by Pyongyang to strengthen its military posture, though analysts caution against reading too much into any single action given the region's volatile geopolitical dynamics.

The DMZ has served as a de facto buffer between North and South Korea since the 1953 armistice that halted active combat. The zone spans roughly 4 kilometres in width and 248 kilometres in length, and remains heavily mined and fortified on both sides.