Seoul sources added that North Korea on Thursday carried out what it said is the demolition of its nuclear test site in the presence of foreign journalists. Meanwhile the Punggye-ri site in Kilju, North Hamgyong province, was regarded as one of the most important facilities in North Korea's nuclear weapons program, along with the Yongbyon complex.
As per report all six of the North's nuclear tests were carried out there, including the latest and most powerful detonation in September. Yonhap news agency reported that it is surrounded by more than 1,000-metre-high mountains and built into underground granite rocks, experts say that Punggye-ri had the optimal geographic conditions to withstand detonation shocks and reduce the risk of radioactive leaks.
Moreover it had four underground tunnels, which were said to have been
constructed in order to prevent hazardous gas or debris from rupturing out.
Accordingly multiple partition walls and locking doors were also installed to
minimize risks. Further it is said that the North's first nuclear test in 2006
was conducted at the eastern tunnel. It was closed due to radioactive
contamination. Meanwhile some say that the North has completed its nuclear
technology and does not need to conduct tests anymore.
