Based on an all-out war scenario, the 11-day exercise includes computer-simulated war games, field training and civil defense drills.
The scale of the exercise, involving 19,000 troops, is similar to the previous year but features more field maneuvers and live-fire drills.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the exercise will enhance the readiness amid North Korea's provocations and nuclear and missile threats.
At a Cabinet meeting, President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed the importance of bolstering readiness against North Korea's provocations such as GPS jamming and the launch of trash-filled balloons. He also warned that "war can break out any time," as seen in Ukraine and the Middle East.
"The exercise will be focused on mastering integrated procedures to respond to various crisis scenarios to deter North Korean provocations including psychological warfare and cyberattacks," Yoon added.
