BeulalandBlog : Bare-chested troops train in subzero temperatures of the Korean mountains

Shirtless members of the South Korean and US Marine corps were put through their paces in the snow

A spokesman for the III US Marine Expeditionary Force told Yonhap: 'This exercise has been held with a focus on enhancing the combined combat capabilities of the South Korean and U.S. Marine Corps in winter war conditions under which temperatures drop down to about minus 20 C.'

The exercise is being held with a focus on enhancing the combined

combat capabilities of the South Korean and U.S. Marine Corps in

winter war conditions under which temperatures drop down to

about minus 20 C

The allied forces have teamed up in frosty conditions for winter training in PyeongChang.

The exercise began on December 4 at the Mount Hwangbyeong training camp as part of the Korea Marine Exercise Program.

It involves more than 220 South Korean Marines and some 220 U.S. Marines who are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Both countries have staged combined winter drills since 2013, aiming to sharpen their combat skills in the subzero temperatures.

Images of the exercise showed shirtless members of both corps flinging snow into the air.

The exercise has become a fixture for both sets of troops as they work to build up a relationship

The military men seemed to enjoy the exercise as they were all smiles while they were put through their paces.

White and grey winter camouflage was also put to use as they practised with fire arms in the snowy forest.

Troops on skies and carrying rifles looked like something out of a James Bond film as they swooped, locked and loaded down the slopes.

Hundreds of troops from both countries teamed up for the exercise which has become an annual fixture in both military calendars

Addressing the troops, South Korean Marine Corps Commandant Lt. General Jun Jin-goo, said: "You are a symbol of the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, overcoming the severe cold with comradeship.

"Let's defend the Republic of Korea (South Korea) firmly on the basis of hot comradeship and strong combat power of the allies' Marine Corps."

The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region with Kim Jong-un's constant sabre rattling in the North worrying the international community.