A South Korean lawmaker says that Seoul and Washington believe various nuclear and missile facilities are still operating as usual at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear site.

Main opposition Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Kim Hack-yong said in a statement Thursday that he was recently briefed by the Defense Ministry regarding military moves inside North Korea and it shows that nothing has changed.

Kim, who served as the parliamentary defense committee's chairman until May, said that signs have been detected in Sinpo, South Hamgyeong Province, of the construction of a submarine capable of firing ballistic missiles.

He said that missile engine test sites are also operating normally at several locations, including the Dongchangni launch site.

Kim said that cryptic numerical broadcasts that are known to send messages and give orders to North Korean spies are still being aired.

He said that in contrast to South Korea's and the U.S.' decision to suspend joint military exercises, North Korea still conducts similar levels of military drills as in past years.

He said ideological training is also being stepped up within the North Korean military as anti-U.S. debates still take place.

[Photo : YONHAP News]