About 200 South Korean Special Forces are taking part in ten days of grueling winter weather combat training.
With a constant threat from North Korea, South Korea’s Army Special Warfare Command (SWC) is responsible for special operations in the country. SWC soldiers frequently work closely with US Green Berets and their modus operandi include guerrilla warfare, assassinations, and counter-terrorism.
Every year, members of the SWC must participate in winter warfare training in the mountains of Pyeongchang, east of Seoul. Conditions in Pyeongchang generally include temperatures as low as negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit and deep snow.
During the training exercises, SWC soldiers participate in distance runs shirtless.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
Soldiers also participate in general exercises in the frozen temperatures.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
The idea is to acclimate soldiers to any intense conditions they may find themselves in.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
Seemingly bizarre, the training instills a sense of mental and physical toughness within the SWC ranks.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
Aside from becoming acclimated to adverse physical conditions, all members of the SWC must achieve a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
Likewise, members of the team must excel at marksmanship. Here, SWC soldiers train in tactical skiing with rifles.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
The SWC is composed of seven special forces brigades with an eighth special mission battalion. Here, SWC forces take position in a frozen river.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
All SWC members must volunteer for entry into the group before being handpicked for entrance.
Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS
Heartbreaking photos inside the bedrooms of children who died in last year’s South Korean ferry disaster
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】