US and South Korean soldiers participate in a joint military exercise in Pohang, 272 km southeast of Seoul, on March 22, 2023. (Source: Yonhap)

Dozens of amphibious vehicles carrying South Korean and US marines entered the coast of Pohang city in North Gyeongsang province - 273 km southeast of Seoul - to protect target areas.

Commandos from both countries, along with South Korean drones, scouted coastal areas before US F-35B stealth fighters and AH-1Z attack helicopters fired on simulated targets to secure the area before landing.

Then, more than 50 South Korean and US landing vehicles entered the beach, followed by paratroopers jumping from C-130 transport planes to the target area.

The operation is part of a joint exercise designed to enhance the amphibious capabilities of the US-South Korea alliance.

The beach landing exercise is a key phase of the allies' annual Ssang Yong (Single Dragon) exercise, which began on August 26 and will last for 13 days.

The exercise involved about 40 warships - including the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer - and about 40 aircraft - including US V-22 Osprey aircraft.

A company-sized commando unit of the British Marines also took part in the exercise for the second year running.

This year's Ssang Yong exercise featured a joint team of South Korean and US officers commanding the exercise for the first time, overseeing the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Navy's amphibious assault ship ROKS Marado.

North Korea has consistently criticized joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, viewing them as acts of "military aggression" against Pyongyang.