World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
North Korean artillery report prompts South Koreans to discuss emergency supplies
Reports that North Korea placed artillery near the border have prompted some South Koreans to discuss preparing for an emergency.
The guns were reportedly deployed along the coast of Gaepung County, across from Gimpo in South Korea.
Some people said they had bought or planned to buy water, food, radios and other supplies, while others questioned whether individual preparations would help in a war.
South Korea’s defence minister said the guns were estimated to be 122mm and that officials were closely watching North Korea’s intentions.
He also said officials had identified no unusual activity at the time.
A self-propelled gun is an artillery weapon mounted on a vehicle, and officials said they would continue monitoring the situation.
Reports that North Korean artillery was deployed near the western border prompted some South Koreans to discuss preparing emergency supplies.
People shared plans and accounts of buying water, food, cash and other items in case of war or disruption.
Some online users said preparing was sensible, while others called it excessive or questioned how useful personal preparations would be in a real war.
South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul said the deployment could have a purpose and that officials were monitoring it closely.
He said no unusual activity had been identified at the time.
- Who
- Some South Korean social media users discussed emergency preparations. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul also commented on the reported deployment.
- What
- Reports of North Korean self-propelled artillery near the border prompted online discussion of emergency supplies.
- When
- The article was published on October 27, 2026. An emergency-preparation post and the minister’s comments were reported on October 26.
- Where
- The reported artillery deployment was in the border area of Gaepung County, Hwanghae Province, North Korea. The discussion took place online in South Korea.
- Why
- Some users were concerned about the possibility of war after reports of the artillery deployment.
Emergency-preparation supporters
Preparation skeptics
Preparedness
Emergency-preparation supporters
Some users said preparing supplies was sensible, and shared plans or lists of items to keep.
Preparation skeptics
Others said the preparations were excessive or questioned how effective individual preparations would be if war broke out.
Reports said North Korean troops had deployed self-propelled artillery in a border area.
A social media user posted about buying cash, water, emergency food and a disaster radio in case of war.
Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul told a parliamentary committee that the deployment could have an intention and purpose, while saying no unusual activity had been identified.
- Reported location
- Coastal border area of Gaepung County, Hwanghae Province
- Reported weapon
- Self-propelled artillery estimated to be 122 mm
- Minister’s comments
- October 26, 2026
- Example purchase cost
- 150,000 won for items ordered through Coupang
What people are saying
I believe there must be an intention and purpose, and we are watching closely.
I felt like a war might break out, so I withdrew cash in dollars and won, and bought water, emergency food and a disaster radio. Am I overreacting?
The safest time is when you think you are safe.
I bought war supplies on Coupang, and even though I put only a few things in the cart, it came to 150,000 won.