On Tuesday, Representative Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, a member of the National Defense Committee, disclosed that North Korea is constructing anti-tank barriers totaling 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) across four locations near the Northern Limit Line.
According to information provided to Rep. Yoo by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and satellite imagery from a European satellite company, North Korea has erected anti-tank barriers approximately 2.5 kilometers (about 1.6 miles) long at four sites situated 2 kilometers north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
Rep. Yoo reported that the combined length of the constructed anti-tank barriers is about 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles), with installations in the northern areas of Munsan, Jeokseong, Cheorwon, and Goseong. This marks the first confirmed report detailing the specific locations and total length of North Korea’s anti-tank barrier system.
The North Korean anti-tank barriers stand approximately 4 to 5 meters (about 13 to 16.4 feet) tall and 2 meters wide (about 6.6 feet). The southern face consists of concrete walls, reinforced by thick earthen embankments.
Rep. Yoo explained that analysis of recent satellite imagery from the European company Iceye revealed a distinct white line near the MDL, indicating the barrier’s presence.
Intelligence suggests that North Korea has halted further construction of the anti-tank barriers and is now focusing on extensive land clearing operations around the structures to improve visibility.
Rep. Yoo asserted that these anti-tank barriers symbolize North Korea’s two-state theory and are likely being used for internal political purposes. He emphasized that in the event of a conflict, these barriers would pose a significant military obstacle, requiring the forces to employ evasive tactics or demolition methods. Rep. Yoo stressed the urgent need to incorporate these developments into military planning and implement appropriate countermeasures.