South Korean military to stage landing drill in Yellow Sea

The Navy and the Marine Corps said Wednesday they plan to kick off a large-scale joint landing exercise this week in the Yellow Sea to bolster their defense posture against North Korea's provocations.

The 11-day amphibious exercise starting Thursday will take place in waters off the western island of Anmyeon, joined by some 2,200 sailors and 1,500 marines.

The drill is also to involve 23 vessels, including the 14,500-ton amphibious Dokdo ship, Aegis destroyers and submarines, as well as some 45 aircraft from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Drawing attention is the participation of South Korea's indigenous amphibious landing ship Cheonwangbong for the first time.

The 4,500-ton LTS-II ship Cheonwangbong, named after the country's second-highest peak Mount Jiri in the southern region, used the country's own technology in its construction which started in 2011. The vessel was put into service last month.

Capable of accommodating 300 fully-armed troops as well as amphibious tanks and two helicopters, the vessel gives the military advanced mobility and loading capabilities, according to the Navy.

"The drill will be based upon a variety of scenarios of enemies' maritime provocations, through which we will be able to boost our defense posture," said Brig. Gen. Park Ki-kyung, who will lead the drill.