Seoul  - The top diplomats of the United States and South Korea urged North Korea Friday to end its threats toward Seoul and unconditionally return to the negotiating table.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan said after meeting in Seoul that their countries would in no way accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, according to a statement released by South Korea's Foreign Ministry.

Clinton called North Korea's "war of words" "provocative and unhelpful" and urged it to engage with South Korea while also announcing the appointment by US President Barack Obama of his top negotiator with North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, a former US ambassador to South Korea.

Seoul  - North Korea's military upped its threats against South Korea Thursday, saying it was prepared for "an all-out confrontation" with its neighbour.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency carried the military spokesman's remarks the same day US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was to arrive in South Korea on a visit that was to focus on efforts to end the North's nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul  - Do you need something to refresh your mind and body? If you live in the hustle and bustle of the South Korean capital, Seoul, this may be the time to warm up and go out for a walk along the river bank.

A one or three-hour stroll along the Yangjae River becomes a pleasant experience during which you can enjoy nature, ride a bike, walk your dog or indulge in conversation or romance.

Defying the reputation of Seoul as a city of dynamism and speed with its population of 10 million, the Yangjae River flows slowly at the heart of the city's most affluent southern district of business and commerce.

The river and its surroundings in the city centre are an unlikely hub of bio-friendliness.

Seoul - North Korea faces international sanctions if it carries through with an upcoming missile launch, South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan warned Wednesday.

North Korea's missile programme represents a serious threat to world security because Pyongyang could link it with its nuclear programme, the minister added.

Seoul- The United States and South Korean military forces announced Wednesday plans for this year's annual exercises in March, coming amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The combined exercises "Key Resolve" for training commanders and the field manoeuvre "Foal Eagle" will take place March 9-20, the combined forces command CFC said.

In keeping with policy, communist North Korea was being informed of the military exercises, which the CFC stressed were exclusively "defense-oriented."

Pyeongchang, South Korea - Kati Wilhelm of Germany won the women's 15-kilometre individual race in Pyeongchang Wednesday to claim her second gold medal at this year's biathlon world championships.

Three-time Olympic champion Wilhelm missed just one target on her way to victory in a time of 44 minutes 3.1 seconds. Teja Gregorin of Slovenia also picked up one penalty on her way to silver, 39.5 seconds behind Wilhelm.

Norway's Tora Berger missed one target too as she finished in the bronze-medal position, 46.5 seconds adrift of the winner.