South Korea to remove many barbed wire fences along border with North Korea

An anonymous South Korean military officialAugust 16The country's military will inspect about 300 kilometers of barbed wire fence along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) to remove sections deemed unnecessary and inconvenient to residents, according toYonhap. This barbed wire fence has been seen as a symbol of the division of the two Koreas since the end of the war.

"We think about 57% of the barbed wire in coastal and riverside areas can be removed," the official said. "This year, we will start with sections that the military can remove themselves, while the rest will be removed step by step."

Many South Koreans living near barbed wire fences protecting the coast and border have asked the government to remove them, saying the obstacles are an "eyesore" and hinder tourism development in some coastal areas..

The removal of the fence is part of a broader military overhaul in South Korea aimed at reducing the size of its forces and strengthening its defense capabilities. Currently, South Korea still enforces compulsory military service for all men.

The move comes as relations between South Korea and North Korea have improved markedly since the summit in April. South Korean President Moon Jae-in will travel to Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in late September for their third summit.