Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pakch'on

It is reported that the Pakch'on Atomic Energy Research Center was established in the early 1960s, around the same time the Yongbyon facility was set up. Among the reported activities at this location are a uranium mine and uranium refinement plant for converting ore to uranium oxide. The ore refinement facility was said to have opened in 1982, and to have operated until the mid-1990s. The South Korean Technical Center for Nuclear Control reports a uranium mine and closed refinery at this location.

It is further reported that at least some of the nuclear related facilities at Pakch'on at located underground in hills east and southeast of the town near the Pakch'on Air Base.