34 Remains and Over 7,000 Artifacts Excavated at Hwaseolmari Goj in the DMZ

The Ministry of National Defense announced on the 14th that since April 20th, it has been conducting remains excavation in the South Korean area around the Hwasalmori Ridge for preliminary preparations for joint inter-Korean remains excavation. As of the 13th, a total of 34 remains and 7,009 personal effects have been excavated.
The photo shows a helmet found in the Hwasalmori Ridge area.

The Ministry of National Defense announced on the 14th that during the remains excavation work conducted from the 20th of last month to the 13th of this month around the Hwaseolmari Hill area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Gangwon Province, 34 remains and 7,009 personal effects were excavated.

Following the 23 remains excavated and disclosed by the 7th, an additional 11 remains were identified from the 8th to the 13th of this month.

On the 8th, 2 ribs, 1 humerus, and 1 forearm bone were identified; on the 11th, 1 shinbone and 1 calf bone; on the 12th, 1 thigh bone, 1 forearm bone, and 1 hip bone; and on the 13th, 1 shinbone and 1 toe bone were identified. During this period, 3,583 personal effects including helmets and bulletproof vests were excavated.

The military also reported that 61 landmines and 913 unexploded ordnances were identified and removed during the excavation work.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that verification procedures applying international mine action standards will be conducted in the areas where mine removal has been completed, and plans to continuously ensure transparency of the mine removal work and the safety of personnel involved.

The Ministry stated that it will continue efforts to encourage the North to respond to the South-North joint remains excavation as specified in the September 19 South-North Military Agreement, and will be prepared to start joint excavation work at any time.

The Ministry emphasized the need for family members to provide samples for identification of the excavated remains. If the identity of the remains of the fallen is confirmed through genetic samples, a reward of up to 10 million won will be given after review.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.