SEOUL, The Marine Corps will resume live-fire drills at a firing range in the southeastern city of Pohang later this year, the defense ministry said Tuesday, more than three years after training was halted due to noise complaints by nearby residents.

The ministry reached an agreement with the residents to resume exercises at the Suseong firing range in the coastal city, 262 kilometers southeast of Seoul, from March after operations stopped in October 2020 due to noise complaints.

Under the agreement mediated by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the ministry will push for measures to block noise from the firing range, such as installing noise barriers.

The ministry said the resumption of drills at the firing range will allow the 1st Marine Division stationed in the city to acquire operational capabilities, noting the need for such drills amid the recent “grave” security situation due to North Korea’s provocative acts in the new year.

Source: Yonhap News Agency