Full Breakdown
North Korean Howitzers Pointed South at Gimpo Observatory
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Oct 27, visitors to the Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, saw three North Korean self-propelled howitzers aimed toward the South. The artillery, located in Kaepung County, Hwanghae Province, was about 1.4 km from the observatory, making the weapons clearly visible.
Background & Context
Tensions along the Demilitarised Zone have risen since a mine blast in September wounded three South Korean soldiers. On Oct 22, Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong announced that loudspeakers for anti-South propaganda would be placed on standby along the border. By Oct 26, three howitzers were observed pointing southward.
Data & Statistics
- Weapon type – M-1981 122-mm self-propelled howitzers, an older system introduced in the late 1970s.
- Range – Up to 24 km, putting Gimpo within reach (Yang Uk, Asan Institute).
- Number deployed – Three pieces documented by a Reuters witness on Oct 26.
- Proximity – About 1.4 km from the observatory.
On-the-Ground Reports
Veteran Jang Gil-seong, 83, said seeing the guns made the threat “real.” Canadian tourist Hannah Robbins called the sight “a bit scary,” noting that guides reassured visitors the weapons would not fire.
Official Statements & Responses
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Jang Do-young said the guns are legacy artillery, not a new system, and appear intended for visibility. Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul told the National Assembly Defense Committee that the deployment reflects “various intentions” but no unusual activity has been detected, and the military maintains a “firm readiness posture.” Capt. Jang added that North Korea’s border fortification work, including road and fence construction, continues unabated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While North Korea has mentioned new weapons systems in its recent statements, we believe that this cannot be considered as such,” — Jang Do-young, Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson
- “I would view this more as a display of firepower than a meaningful increase in combat capability,” — Yang Uk, Asan Institute
- “Our military maintains a firm readiness posture capable of responding to any provocation,” — Capt. Jang, Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson
Why It Matters
The visible deployment of legacy artillery serves as a symbolic show of force, reinforcing Pyongyang’s strategy of border fortification and propaganda. Their range places nearby South Korean communities within striking distance, prompting Seoul to reaffirm defensive readiness and highlighting the fragile security environment on the Korean Peninsula.