A contingent of South Korean and U.S. Marine Corps has completed its two-week armed march along the eastern mountainous region and carried out drills to improve their combat capabilities, military officials here said Friday.

After finishing a grueling winter survival camp, about 300 Marines of the allies started their march at Mount Hwangbyeong in the northeastern province of Gangwon on Jan. 26 to walk down 381 kilometers to the southeastern port city of Pohang, the South Korean Marine Corps said.

The fully armed troops walked an average of 30 km a day and carried out a wide range of training, mostly following rugged trails to prepare readiness in combat situations, it said.

"The Marines of the two nations improved their joint combat capabilities by carrying out winter drills and armed march together," Lt. Col. Kim Jong-je said. "We will continue to exchange with American soldiers and foster friendship for alliance." (Yonhap News)