North Korea is About to Knock Out Its Nuclear Playground
On May 13, 2018, North Korea announced it will be smashing up its nuclear test site between May 23 and 25—weather permitting. This comes as a nod to its earlier promise to stop testing.
What the Dismantling Looks Like
- Explosively collapse all the tunnels.
- Block every entrance with concrete blocks.
- Shut down observation posts, research labs, and security checkpoints.
The Nuclear Weapon Institute is leading the charge, making sure everything is as transparent as a crystal‑clear ice – or at least as clear as North Korean news allows.
Why the Chaos?
The plan follows a whirlwind of diplomatic activity:
- U.S. President Donald Trump set a June 12 summit with Kim Jong‑Un in Singapore—first time a U.S. president sits across from the North Korean leader.
- North Korea’s Prime Minister pledged a future “full of peace and prosperity” if it hands over its nukes, courtesy of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
- Both Koreas held a summit in late April, and more high‑level talks are incoming.
Let’s Get the Journalists In!
North Korea will open its borders to reporters from the U.S. and South Korea. Expect charter flights from Beijing to Wonsan and a train ride through an “uninhabited deep mountain area” where the test site sits.
They’re even offering airspace access — because who doesn’t want a scenic flight over a mountain drilled by… well, something? (Spoiler: it’s nuclear tunnels under Mount Mantap.)
Takeaway
Though experts applaud the move, checking that all the fuses actually blew is a tall order. Still, it’s a big step toward a less explosive future—and a shot in the arm for international diplomacy.
