The proposal follows a September 21 land mine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). A military investigation concluded that the explosion was caused by North Korean mines planted south of the MDL.
The incident highlighted longstanding differences between the two Koreas over the precise location of the MDL in certain areas, raising concerns that troops could inadvertently cross what the other side considers the boundary, increasing the risk of accidental clashes.
"We formally propose holding talks between the military authorities of the two Koreas to mutually confirm the precise location of the land Military Demarcation Line, discuss restoring military communication lines and explore ways to prevent accidental clashes in border areas," said Kim Hong-chul, director of the defense ministry's Defense Policy Office.
"If necessary, a three-way meeting involving the United Nations Command would also be possible," he added.
Kim said the ministry had closely monitored North Korea's construction of tactical roads and fences, mine-laying activities and repeated crossings of the MDL in recent years.
South Korea's military estimates that North Korea has planted approximately 960,000 land mines in the DMZ area since 2024, according to multiple lawmakers' offices on the National Assembly's defense committees on Friday.
The military has also identified several suspected North Korean minefields south of the MDL and is conducting further investigations with the United Nations Command.
"Given the reality of military confrontation along the Military Demarcation Line, it is difficult to predict what further incidents could occur if this situation is left unaddressed," said Kim.
"The potential damage would not be limited to either side," he added.
Kim also warned that the unresolved boundary issue had contributed to an increase in North Korean military activities and South Korean warning broadcasts and warning shots near the MDL.
A total of 1,292 markers were installed along the MDL following the 1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement, but only about 200 remain identifiable today.
South Korea previously proposed military talks in November 2025 to address differences over the MDL's location, but North Korea has not responded.
Kim said the date and venue for the proposed talks could be discussed through Panmunjom.
"We hope for a positive response from the North," he said.
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