An antipersonnel land mine believed to have washed ashore from North Korea was discovered on a beach in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, on Thursday, prompting authorities to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution.
According to Ganghwa officials on Friday, the mine was found around 3:20 p.m. Thursday near Daebinchang Beach on Jumun Island, Seodo-myeon, by an environmental cleanup worker.
The worker immediately reported the discovery to the relevant authorities.
The Marine Corps' 2nd Division dispatched an explosive ordnance disposal team to the scene. The team recovered the mine and safely destroyed it in a controlled explosion.
"Based on a preliminary examination by our explosive ordnance disposal team, the object is believed to be an antipersonnel mine that drifted from North Korea," the Marine Corps said.
No injuries or property damage were reported during the discovery or disposal operation.
"The Marine Corps is continuing search and preventive operations to ensure residents can safely access coastal areas," it added.
Authorities suspect the mine was dislodged from North Korean territory by heavy summer rainfall and subsequently carried south by floodwaters.
The discovery marks the first such case on Ganghwa-gun's islands since Aug. 15. A total of 17 mines — including wooden-box mines and antipersonnel mines — were discovered across Ganghwa-gun in July and August.
With the Hangeul Day long weekend beginning Friday, the county government issued a public safety alert via text message, warning residents and visitors to remain vigilant.
"Land mines and other hazardous objects that have drifted from North Korea are being discovered in the area," the county said. "Anyone who encounters a suspicious object should refrain from touching it and immediately report it to the military or police."
cheesuk@heraldcorp.com