North Korea says it will cut off roads and railways connecting to South Korea
North Korea’s military said on Wednesday it will take a “substantial military step” to completely cut off roads and railways connected to South Korea and fortify the areas on its side of the border.
The General Staff of the Korean People’s Army said it will sever roads and railways “and fortify the relevant areas of our side with strong defense structures” as a measure to “completely separate” the two Koreas.
It said it had sent a telephone message to the U.S. military command in South Korea to notify it of the plan, “to prevent any misjudgment or accidental conflict.”
The announcement came as North Korea continues to escalate its hostile rhetoric toward South Korea. In recent months, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has defined inter-Korean relations as those between “two hostile states” and abandoned the decades-long national goal of reconciliation.
In January, North Korea also said it would dismantle the monument in Pyongyang that symbolized the hope for reunification.
Korean People’s Army
The Korean People’s Army (KPA) is the military force of North Korea, officially established on February 8, 1948, from a guerrilla force that fought against Japanese colonial rule. It played a central role in the Korean War (1950-1953) and remains a key symbol of the country’s ideology and defense under the leadership of the Kim dynasty. Today, the KPA is one of the world’s largest standing armies, heavily focused on national defense and internal control.
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea, with a history dating back over 2,000 years as an ancient capital of the Goguryeo kingdom. Heavily rebuilt after the Korean War (1950–1953), the city is now characterized by monumental socialist architecture, including the Juche Tower and Kim Il-sung Square. Today, Pyongyang serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, though access for foreign visitors remains highly restricted.
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant East Asian nation with a history spanning thousands of years, from ancient kingdoms like Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla to the Joseon Dynasty. In the 20th century, it emerged from Japanese colonization and the Korean War to become a global leader in technology, pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas), and economic development. Today, its cultural sites—such as Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, the historic city of Gyeongju, and the DMZ—reflect a rich blend of tradition and modernity.
Korean People’s Army
The Korean People’s Army (KPA) is the military force of North Korea, established on February 8, 1948, under the leadership of Kim Il-sung. It originated from anti-Japanese guerrilla units and was officially formed with Soviet support, playing a central role in the Korean War (1950-1953) and the country’s subsequent defense strategy. Today, it remains a key symbol of North Korea’s Juche ideology and military-first policy.
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea, with a history dating back over 2,000 years as an ancient capital of the Goguryeo kingdom. Heavily rebuilt after the Korean War (1950-1953), the city is known for its monumental socialist architecture, including the Juche Tower and Kim Il-sung Square, as well as its heavily curated and controlled public spaces that reflect the country’s political ideology. Today, it serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation, though access for foreigners remains highly restricted.
Goguryeo kingdom
The Goguryeo kingdom was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, existing from 37 BCE to 668 CE in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria. Known for its military prowess and unique culture, it fiercely defended its territory against Chinese invasions, notably during the Goguryeo-Sui Wars. Its legacy is preserved through archaeological sites and tombs, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, featuring intricate murals that depict daily life and spiritual beliefs.
Juche Tower
The Juche Tower, officially known as the Tower of the Juche Idea, is a monumental granite structure in Pyongyang, North Korea, completed in 1982 to commemorate the 70th birthday of founder Kim Il-sung. It stands 170 meters tall, symbolizing the Juche ideology of self-reliance, and is topped with a 20-meter-tall torch that can be lit at night. The tower was built on the banks of the Taedong River and is often paired with the nearby Kim Il-sung Square, serving as a key landmark in the capital’s propaganda landscape.
Kim Il-sung Square
Kim Il-sung Square is a large public square in Pyongyang, North Korea, named after the country’s founding leader. It was constructed in the 1950s and has served as the central venue for major national events, including military parades, mass rallies, and political celebrations. The square is historically significant as a symbol of the North Korean regime and its cult of personality, often featuring prominently in state propaganda.
