South Korea's defense ministry said Tuesday that main components of an advanced U.S. missile defense system will be operated in a package at a U.S. military base when deployed in South Korea.

Seoul and Washington agreed last week to set up a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system on South Korean soil where about 28,500 American soldiers are stationed. The system consists of five components: mobile launchers, interceptor missiles, radar, a fire control unit and a battery support center.

The Ministry of National Defense said that the battery will be operated in a package, dismissing a local report that the system's radar and mobile launchers would be separately placed in different areas.

"When the THAAD system's components are placed nearby, the battery can be operated effectively," Moon said at a regular press briefing.

Six mobile launchers will be put in place 400 to 500 meters away from the powerful X-band radar, the ministry earlier said.

Touching on the potential location of the THAAD system, Moon said that nothing has been decided over when the allies will announce it.

South Korea's defense minister Han Min-koo told lawmakers that the THAAD battery is likely to be placed in mountainous areas.

"The missile system that the South Korean military is operating is located on mountainous areas. So I think that the THAAD is likely to be deployed in such areas," Han said during a parliamentary budget committee session.

He added that Seoul will select the optimal site for the THAAD deployment in a way to ensure the safety and health of residents near the location.

Residents living in areas mentioned as the potential site for THAAD have voiced strong opposition out of fear that the electromagnetic waves emanating from the radar could pose health problems.

Seoul and Washington plan to announce a site for the THAAD deployment within a few weeks, which they said is aimed at countering North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

North Korea warned Monday that it will take "physical" action against the two nations once a decision has been made on where to deploy the THAAD system. (Yonhap)