Some 440 sets of remains of U.S. soldiers were excavated in North Korea from 1990 to 2005.

According to Defense Ministry data submitted to the National Assembly, 229 sets of remains were found through joint North Korea-U.S. efforts. Sets of remains found by North Korea alone have brought the total to 443.

U.S. and North Korean experts jointly identified the bodies, sending home those whose identities could be confirmed.

Washington has paid Pyongyang 22 million dollars thus far to pay for labor and helicopter rentals, or some 48 million South Korean won per set of remains.

The U.S. excavation team left North Korea after tensions between Pyongyang and Washington worsened in May 2005.